MEDICAL CENTER EXECUTIVE RECOGNIZED FOR
SUPPORTING THE DISABLED IN THE WORK FORCE

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Hackensack University Medical Center was recently recognized for employing and encouraging the disabled.

In a ceremony held recently at Bergen Community College to mark Disability Awareness Day, Robert C. Garrett of Convent Station, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Hackensack University Medical Center, was honored along with representatives from eight other Bergen County employers.

In accepting the honor, Mr. Garrett said that making accommodations for employing disabled people is just good common sense. "Our patients constantly teach us about facing disabilities," he said. "What we have learned is that a disability can make a person stronger and more mature, traits we consider beneficial in the work environment."

Left, Judith K. Winn, president, Bergen Community College, and Robert C. Garrett, Hackensack University Medical Center executive vice president and chief operating officer, right, were among those recently honored for employing and encouraging the disabled. At center is Petra Tepper, a Bergen Community College graduate in nursing who battled cancer and now works on the medical center&Mac226;s orthopedics unit.

Attending the ceremony was Petra Tepper, R.N. of Nutley. Several years ago, Ms. Tepper battled cancer, and as a result she underwent a below the knee amputation of one leg. She has since earned an associate's degree in nursing at Bergen Community College, and recently began working on the medical center's orthopedics unit.

"Disability Awareness Day is about the opportunities employers offer today for people with disabilities," said Ms. Tepper, who praised Hackensack University Medical Center as a "positive place." "My disability has never been an issue," she said, "which is the great thing about working at the medical center."

Dr. Judith K. Winn, president of Bergen Community College, called the occasion an opportunity to recognize employers who have the vision to tap the labor pool of disabled persons. "Not only do we educate disabled students," Ms. Winn said, "but we also employ disabled people and are well aware of the advantages and challenges associated with employing and encouraging disabled people."

In addition to Hackensack University Medical Center, the college recognized the Lodi and Paramus locations of Home Depot; Hillcrest Gardens in Paramus; A&P in Montvale; McManus Tires in Hackensack; United Parcel Service, Mahwah; and DeWitte and Associates, a Midland Park company that helps organizations purchase equipment to accommodate disabled employees.

Also recognized were Bergen County Executive William "Pat" Schuber. Bergen Community College also honored staff for hiring and encouraging the disabled, including Dr. Winn, Dr. Calvin Woodland, vice president of Student Services, and Nancy Carr, director of Special Student Services.

Statistics show that nine percent of college freshmen nationwide have at least one physical disability, according to Bergen Community College.