By presidential proclamation in 1988, October is a month designated to enhance public awareness of those 30 million Americans with disabilites, to highlight this talented segment of the population and acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities.

Meet Darleen Brofer, direct mail agent in the Customer Communications Department in Arizona. Pictures say a thousand words – or do they? Disabilities are not always visible, like someone using a wheelchair or walking with a cane. Five years ago, Darleen was diagnosed with an incurable underlying neurological disease - Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).

Parkinson’s disease usually affects adults older than 60. However with increasing environmental changes, many new cases of YOPD are diagnosed in people ages 20 to 59 every year. While there is no cure, there have been advances in developing medications and technology to help manage YOPD.

Darleen copes with this disease by staying strong, thinking positively, and appreciating the support of great friends, co-workers and family.