Rachel Crawford

2023 Keller-Sullivan Award Winner

National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED) Recognizes Rachel Crawford as the 2023 Keller-Sullivan Award Winner

Washington, DC - October 20, 2023 - The National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED) is proud to announce Rachel Crawford, Management & Program Analyst and Web Liaison for the Federal Aviation Administration Office of NextGen (ANG), as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Keller-Sullivan Award. This award is presented to individuals with exceptional dedication and commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusivity within the FAA.

Rachel Crawford has demonstrated unwavering dedication as the project management lead for the Messaging and Updates branch at the FAA's Office of NextGen. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the content on numerous designated internal and external webpages complies with FAA web standards and ANG content guidelines, particularly regarding accessibility and Section 508 compliance.

Recognizing the critical need for accessible content, Rachel proactively advocated for inclusivity in content creation processes across the federal aviation sector. She spearheaded an initiative to educate and equip her colleagues with the knowledge and tools to create accessible electronic content.

One of Rachel's significant achievements was the development of a comprehensive resource on the ANG internal webpage. This resource featured background information, summary guides, and job aids for content creators, covering everything from general content creation principles to specific compliance checks for various computer programs and social media platforms. Rachel ensured that these resources remained up-to-date, even as technologies evolved, such as the FAA's migration to Office 365.

When accessibility checks were overlooked in ANG communication artifacts, Rachel took the initiative to launch an Accessibility Lessons Series. Hosting engaging one-hour webinar lessons covering Accessibility and Section 508 topics with practical exercises and real-life examples.

The impact of Rachel's webinars was remarkable. Nearly 200 employees and content support staff attended the inaugural "general knowledge" webinar on accessibility, and close to another 100 participated in an encore presentation. The series received such positive feedback that it was praised at a gathering of FAA communications practitioners, further increasing awareness of accessible communications practices.

At the end of fiscal year 2023, Rachel continues to expand her accessibility initiatives, working on additional lessons for the series and consulting with content creators on accessibility considerations in Adobe InDesign and PDF software. She plans to deliver training on planning content with accessibility in mind in Microsoft Word.

Rachel Crawford's remarkable commitment to promoting accessible electronic media within the FAA reflects the spirit of the Keller-Sullivan Award. Contributing to a more inclusive work environment that supports FAA employees with disabilities and accessibility for all.

The NCFAED congratulates Rachel Crawford on her well-deserved recognition as the 2023 Keller-Sullivan Award winner, and we look forward to seeing her continued impact on the accessibility and inclusivity of federal aviation communications.

For more information about the National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED) and the Keller-Sullivan Award, please visit Keller-Sullivan Award — National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED).

January 2, 2021 - 2020 KELLER-SULLIVAN AWARD RECIPIENT

It was Helen Keller’s mentor, Anne Sullivan who helped to break all physical barriers permitting her to overcome seclusion imposed upon her by her childhood illness. These annual awards acknowledge those who share the same vitality and drive in overcoming the unstoppable when faced with insurmountable odds. Every year during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (in October), the FAA’s National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED) hosts the annual Keller-Sullivan Awards. Nominations are open to FAA employees and contractors, individuals or teams.

This year, Derrick Rollins, a Project Support Specialist with the Enterprise Services Center’s Financial Services Division received this recognition. Michelle Coppedge, Director of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center presented the award to Derrick stating, "One of the reasons that I nominated Derrick for this award is because it’s been amazing to watch the evolution of him coming into the agency. We hired him on through the

Targeted People with Disability program and he just immediately hit the ground running. He has been a great role model for so many people about what can be done, and he has become one of our top performers in a short period of time. I am blessed to be able to work with him." Gavin Carlson, a Legal Instruments Examiner in the Registry (AFB-713) representing the NCFAED was on hand to share in the celebration of the presentation. "Derrick is such a great example for people with Disabilities. He is proof that we’re lowering the barriers and helping to create a more positive work environment for people of all abilities."

In addition to all of his duties with Robotic Process Automation, Derrick also finds time to volunteer at Career Fairs and talk to people with disabilities about potential jobs and accommodations that are available in the federal government. Derrick is also engaged in community efforts, working part-time with the University of Oklahoma’s Southwest Prevention Center, where he assists with environmental substance abuse prevention initiatives. "I appreciate being nominated, you know it is quite the torch to carry. It is an honor to have been nominated, and having been a beneficiary of the Schedule A Hiring Authority. My disability was never an impediment to obtaining training, and being an active, integrated part of the team," says Derrick. The Aeronautical Center is fortunate to have Derrick as an Aeronautical Center employee, and one who helps to champion the hiring of employees with disabilities. Derrick Rollins truly personifies the spirit of the Keller-Sullivan Award. In the words of Helen Keller…. "Many people have the wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." Congratulations, Derrick!

For more information about the FAA’s National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED), please contact Greg Brooks , NCFAED President (405) 954-6877.

The National Board Members of the National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED) proudly announces that two Keller-Sullivan awards will be virtually presented during the fall of 2020.

October 8, 2020 - NCFAED believes that employees or organizations that strengthen FAA’s reputation for Diversity and Inclusiveness (D & I) deserve recognition.

Helen Keller’s mentor Anne Sullivan successfully broke all physical barriers that permitted her to overcome the seclusion imposed by a childhood illness. So, it is with great honor and pride that NCFAED recognizes these great women for their unimaginable lifetime achievements.

NCFAED intends that their legacy continues with an annual award or awards that recognize those who share the same vitality and drive to overcome the unstoppable when faced with insurmountable odds.

Our 1st recipient is Joseph “Rocky” Roppo, a former ATO Manager who was nominated by Anthony Chu. Chu’s submission stated. “Last year, Mr. Roppo oversaw the office that provides a balanced FAA air traffic controller workforce by ensuring that current employee movements align with prioritized staffing needs and placing new hires using transparent and objective processes. Between March 2019 and through the beginning of fiscal year 2020, in addition to coordinating assignments and reassignments, he also served as the Air Traffic Organization’s national action officer for the Aviation Development Program. The FAA created ADP to provide an opportunity for persons with targeted disabilities to gain aviation knowledge and experience, for a possible appointment to the Air Traffic Control Specialist occupation.” READ MORE about Rocky’s nomination…

Our 2nd recipient is Mr. Derrick Rollins and he was nominated by the MMAC Director Michelle Coppedge. Employee Rollins is a Project Support Specialist for the Enterprise Services Center’s (ESC) Financial Services Division in Oklahoma City. Director Coppedge’s nomination stated. “Although having his mobility being limited by a wheelchair, Derrick is one of our top performers and his incredibly positive attitude is highly contagious. Derrick plays a vital role in the implementation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for not only ESC, but the entire FAA. Robotic Process Automation is the technology that allows anyone to configure computer software, or a “robot” to emulate and integrate the actions of a human interacting within digital systems to execute a business process. RPA robots utilize the user interface to capture data and manipulate applications just like humans do. They interpret, trigger responses and communicate with other systems in order to perform on a vast variety of repetitive tasks. RPA allows organizations to automate at a fraction of the cost and time previously encountered. RPA is also non-intrusive in nature and leverages the existing infrastructure without causing disruption to underlying systems.” READ MORE about Derrick’s nomination…

Continuously, NCFAED strides to reach the limits of connecting and motivating others to support our disabled FAA community.

Without the efforts of Managers, Policy Makers and Advocates alike; FAA would be just another federal agency but, We Are Not. NCFAED is partnering with FAA to insure that every disABLED employee and future employee has an opportunity to be considered for advancement and long term employment.

These two proud recipients with the support of their nominators are just a small landscape of the big picture being painted by the FAA. Therefore, we need more contributors and participants to enable NCFAED to encourage others to join and support the goals of our organization. Our web site link is; WWW. NCFAED.ORG for your review.

Due to COVID-19 the virtually awarded presentations are currently being developed. Again, Congratulations to our 2020 award winners and nominators.

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NCFAED partners with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (OKDRS) for FREE Virtual Disability Training.

September 18, 2020- OKDRS the anchor tenant and NCFAED have partnered to promote the 2020 Virtual Business Summit named, “Breaking Barriers for an Inclusive Workforce” on October 15, 2020.  These educational sessions will expand your knowledge and awareness on disability law with themes that affect institutional change and attitudes.

The presenters of these workshops will promote ways that will positively impact and create transformation and tear down barriers.

The Summit is a great tool for any professional who is interested in learning how to contribute to an inclusive workforce when working with people with disabilities (PWD). Professionals who should consider linking are; managers, small and large business owners, human resource (HR) representatives, training and education developers, CEO’s, administrative staff and others who share the same compassion.

Consider joining this FREE event to learn more about the following topics:

Employer Experiences

• ADA and Employers

• Recruitment & Retention of Individuals with Disabilities

• Disability Law and Safety

• Workplace Accessibility

• Mental Health in the Workplace

• Substance Abuse

• Assistive Technology

CLICK ON THE LINK.   Registration Page for Business Services Summit   (Limited to 500 Participants)

Traditionally, NCFAED conducts its annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebration but, due to the COVID-19 those in person activities have been cancelled. But, NCFAED will also support the “White Cane Safety Day” on October 15, 2020 and during this NDEAM time frame will present (in broadcast) the annual Keller-Sullivan Award.

Currently, NCFAED is working with the FAA’s Training & Development Infrastructure Team AJG-L31 so participants can receive eLMS training credits.

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PRESS RELEASE FROM THE DESK OF THE NCFAED PRESIDENT

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- On October 11, 2017 the National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED) the Office of Human Resources-AHR, the Office of Civil Rights-ACR and supported by the Quality Systems and Business Resource Division-

AMC-3 will conduct the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebration at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC).

Opening remarks will be provided by the MMAC Aeronautical Director Michelle Coppedge and the master of ceremonies will be an original NCFAED founding member, Danny Thomas. 

The FAA Administrator, Michael Huerta will be providing a video stream to be shown-that supports this year’s theme, “Inclusion Drives Innovation.”

Jeff Hughes, Director of Progressive Independence located in Norman, Oklahoma will be the event’s Guest Speaker.  In conjunction with the celebration NCFAED will present five Keller-Sullivan awards.

Helen Keller’s mentor Anne Sullivan successfully broke all physical barriers that permitted her to overcome the seclusion imposed by a childhood illness.  So, it is with great honor and pride that NCFAED recognizes these remarkable women for their unimaginable lifetime achievements. NCFAED intends that their legacy continues with an award that recognize those who share the same vitality and drive to overcome the unstoppable when faced with insurmountable odds.

There are 5 worthy recipients; from the AMA-405’s Academy Staff Members that assure their 36 year career tenured disabled employee has all the tools to make her day manageable to Barry Switzer, the former collegiate and NFL coach.  Coach Switzer is the founding organizer of the Swing for Sight golf tournaments, which have raised thousands of dollars for the Society for the Prevention of Blindness.  And, for the past 40 years, he has also given his name, time and participation as the Honorary Head Coach of the Oklahoma Special Olympics. 

Concurring, with the day’s event will be the Information Trade Fair. This meet and greet environment will provide 25 plus Oklahoma State Wide Agency Vendors with an opportunity to show case their services and goods to the 5000 plus full time employees and contractors who are on campus at the MMAC.  NCFAED’s goal is to educate as many personnel as possible concerning what State services can benefit their family members, satisfy their personal needs and then be able to share this experience with others.  NCFAED supports the message in advancing this progression to insure that every Oklahoman gets the assistance they desire.

Within the following weeks in October there will be a series of FAA Manager’s training events on Campus to educate and advance “Direct Hire” initiatives and “Reasonable Accommodation” objectives.

And, ending the month’s undertakings, will be the disability career candidate hiring event to be held on October 25th at the Oklahoma City Community College.

The October 11, 2017 celebration will also be video streamed on the following links;

https://employees.faa.gov/tv/live/      http://www.faa.gov/tv/videoontheweb/HQWebTV-HS.asx

NCFAED embraces the challenges that our members and non-members are daily overwhelmed with.  It’s with collaboration and education that we promote disability related concerns to the front and center.  Inclusiveness and Diversity (D & I) must be a goal for everyone not just someone.  

If you’re interested in joining NCFAED please contact us.