October marks the observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
At EVERSANA, we took this opportunity to celebrate the unique experiences and valuable contributions of employees living with disabilities. Interested in joining a certified Great Place to Work® employer? Visit our Career page for all current openings.
We are privileged to share the inspiring stories of three exceptional team members who have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive workplace. Meet Joan Oldham, Emelia Patterson, and Kevin Klitz, as they reflect on their personal experiences and the impact they’ve had on our EVERSANA team.
Joan Oldham, a dedicated mother of a disabled adult, brings a profound understanding of the importance of inclusion to her work at EVERSANA. She highlights how our commitment to inclusion and community engagement has resonated deeply with her. Joan notes, “Being a mom of a disabled adult, I have come to see how an employer can make a huge difference in the self-esteem and sense of self-worth of these special individuals.”
Emelia Patterson, who is hard of hearing, embodies the spirit of resilience and empathy. She sees her hearing loss as an asset, a unique perspective that enhances her work at EVERSANA. Emelia’s experiences have led her to champion accessibility, empathy, and clarity in healthcare. She shares, “I’ve never considered my hearing loss a limitation; it’s heightened my sensitivity to the diverse needs in healthcare and driven me to advocate for and help build innovative solutions that can bridge critical communication gaps for all people, regardless of circumstance or condition. My life has been shaped by health communication, and I feel lucky to work in the same field that has had such an impact on me.”
Kevin Klitz, who lives with disabilities, reflects on the valuable life lessons he has learned through his experiences. Being treated differently due to his appearance has instilled in him a profound ability to see things from the other person’s perspective. Kevin’s disabilities have also fueled his innovation, pushing him to approach his work through others’ perceptual salience. He shares his insights, “I’ve learned that being patient-minded, while focusing on client delight, can create a situation where we can all win together. I apply these learnings by providing our patients with a great experience while looking for inefficiencies and ways to improve our processes.”
These stories exemplify the strength, determination, and innovation of our employees at EVERSANA. Their unique experiences have not only shaped their individual journeys but have also enriched our workplace culture and the services we provide. As we celebrate NDEAM, let’s continue to honor and support the diverse voices and perspectives within our organization. We are proud to share the stories of Joan, Emelia and Kevin as they inspire us to be better, together. Thank you for being a part of our inclusive EVERSANA team.