William Bowman's Success Story

William J. Bowman, or as he is more commonly known, "Billy," has been with SSA for over 25 years. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gallaudet University, Billy began his SSA career in the Office of Operations holding various positions, including Benefits Authorizer, working his way up to his current position as a Public Affairs Specialist with the Office of Communications.

As a Public Affairs Specialist, Billy's job is to communicate with SSA constituents providing clear and accurate information on the programs and policies of SSA. His success in his position is a testament to Billy's drive and ability to overcome the inherent communication barriers for the Deaf. In his position, Billy has become a nationally recognized lecturer within the deaf and hard of hearing community, giving numerous speeches and presenting workshops all over the country on the programs and services available at SSA. Billy has presented workshops at several conferences including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government's National Training Conference, the National Association of the Deaf's 2006 Biennial Conference and the Deaf Senior Citizens Conference.

Throughout his career, Billy has continuously been a voice for SSA and Federal employees who are deaf or hard of hearing, promoting the need for sign language interpreter services and other communication technologies available which would enhance the worklife of this group of employees. Billy recently participated in the production of the Center for Disability Services Interactive Video Teletraining for educating managers on hiring, recruiting and promoting employees with disabilities.

Billy's historical dedication to this effort led him to become one of the founding members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government (DHHIG); a non-profit organization chartered in 1998, to address the need for a knowledgeable, problem-identifying and solving organization representing deaf and hard of hearing Government employees. In May 2005, Billy was selected as Executive Director of DHHIG. Billy has continuously been involved in SSA's efforts to improve sign language interpreter services and has participated in pilot programs for various technologies for the deaf or hard of hearing.

Since 2003, Billy has effectively represented SSA as a Loaned Executive in the United Way's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. As a Loaned Executive, Billy is responsible for 20-25 accounts, i.e., Federal agencies, requiring his guidance, support and participation in the promotion of their CFC fundraisers. During his assignment to the CFC campaign, Billy has participated in promotional videos and has been the keynote speaker at several Federal agency's CFC kick-off celebrations. Through his participation and ability to put those around him at ease, Billy has highlighted the value of disability awareness and minimized what some experience as a challenge of working with a person with a disability.

Source: In the SSA Family, May 2007 edition