In October, PCSI proudly celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with a special program at our Corporate Headquarters in Austin, Texas. Held in partnership with HealthCode, this year’s theme—“Breaking Barriers”—emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
The program opened with remarks from PCSI Leadership, highlighting the organization’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful, competitive employment for people with disabilities. This year’s event brought together employees, community partners, and advocates who share a mission of advancing access, empowerment, and visibility in the workplace.
A standout feature of the event was a company‑wide video contest inviting employees to share what NDEAM means to them. From the submissions, Kenyon Cahill, a PCSI Dining Facilities Attendant at Fort Hood, and Kurtis Shaw, PCSI’s Safety and Risk Mitigation Manager at Headquarters, were selected to speak at the program. Both offered heartfelt reflections on their personal experiences and the importance of creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.
The program also featured an inspiring lineup of guest speakers, each offering their own perspective on breaking barriers:
- Kim Calandres, Baptist Health System
- Brian Sanders, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
- Kim Davis, Special Olympics Texas
- Earl Beechum, Powerlifter for Special Olympics Texas
- Steve Amos, HealthCode
Their combined insights highlighted the importance of collaboration between healthcare partners, veteran services, employers, and community organizations to advance opportunities for people with disabilities.
Representatives from HealthCode also emphasized the connection between wellness, inclusion, and community engagement as essential components of breaking down employment barriers.
The “Breaking Barriers” NDEAM program is not a once‑a‑year message for PCSI—it is a core value that guides the organization’s mission every day. By bringing people together to learn, reflect, and celebrate, the event reaffirmed PCSI’s dedication to creating pathways where every employee has the opportunity to succeed.
