News Release

NCD #04-440
November 24, 2003
Contact: Mark S. Quigley
202-272-2004
202-272-2074 TTY
mquigley@ncd.gov

Ohio Resident Joel I. Kahn Sworn in as a Member of National Council on Disability

WASHINGTON--Joel I. Kahn of Wyoming, Ohio, was sworn in as a member of the National Council on Disability (NCD) by U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission chair Cari M. Dominguez on Friday, November 21, 2003, in Washington, D.C. (digital photo available).

Left to Right: Ian Grumbine, Joel I. Kahn, Cari M. Dominguez

Kahn was appointed to NCD by President Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Kahn is nationally recognized for his professional, family and community activities. In 1991, he was named National Multiple Sclerosis Father of the Year. Kahn's wife Susan and 18 year-old son, Philip, live in Wyoming, Ohio. In 1993 Careers and the Disabled magazine named him Disabled Engineer of the Year. Also, in 1993 National Easter Seals honored Kahn as one of three people recognized for their community service with the Plaut Award. An active speaker on disability issues, he has appeared on Good Morning America and speaks regularly at local schools and colleges. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1976, Kahn has used a motorized scooter since 1981. He has worked for Procter and Gamble for 30 years in several roles, each with increased responsibility. Currently he is a Section Manager in Information Technology. Kahn was on the Executive Board of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and a Board member of his local Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Kahn has been at the forefront of obtaining economic community and work place accommodations. His letters and personal contacts resulted in curb cuts in his community, elevators at his local school and a ramp at the local library. As Chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the local school board, he formed a special access sub-committee. Inexpensive access and washroom changes were provided as a result of recommendations. At Procter & Gamble, Kahn is a member of a special ADA task force formed several years ago. The focus of this group was to ensure all employees have what they need to be productive, not just that the Company is in legal compliance. This has resulted in washroom changes, power door openers, and curb cuts. Also, where appropriate, changes to corporate policy have been implemented relative to travel, parking and office size. The latter were all implemented without spending capital.

NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on disability policy. NCD first proposed and then drafted the original Americans with Disabilities Act.