MEDIA CONTACT:\u00a0Chris Ward
\nMEDIA ADVISORY: 12-013
\nRELEASE DATE:\u00a0March 28,\u00a02012<\/p>\n
DALLAS \u2013 <\/strong>In an effort to gain a better\u00a0understanding of policies and practices within both federal and private sectors and to introduce best practices that will increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has partnered with Cornell University in a disability research study.<\/p>\n The research, which according to Cornell representatives is the first major study of its kind in more than ten years, will focus on the power of social networks and how they affect individuals with disabilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe are excited about the joint study,\u201d said Exchange Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Vice President Diana Culberson. \u201cNot only is it an opportunity to learn from our different policies and practices, but also to communicate the value of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n The research kicked off in March as the Cornell Employment and Disability Institute began conducting focus groups, interviews and online surveys with associates who will voluntarily participate at various locations worldwide.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n — 30 —<\/p>\n The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is a joint command and is directed by a Board of Directors which is responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force through the Service Chiefs of Staff. The Exchange has the dual mission of providing authorized patrons with articles of merchandise and services and generating non-appropriated fund earnings as a supplemental source of funding for military morale, welfare and recreation programs. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http:\/\/www.shopmyexchange.com<\/span>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-2714 or wardchr@aafes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t