Westfield Steel Employee Participates on Career Panel for the Indiana Deaf
The following is written by Dustin Maynard, a Burn Lead Man with Westfield Steel. He’s been with the company since April 2011. He has progressively grown in his positions with the company, serving in various capacities as a Puller, Loader, Burn Operator, Receiving Clerk, and a Shipping Supervisor. While working full-time for Westfield Steel, Dustin completed his Bachelors of Arts (in 2012) with an English major and a dual focus in Business Communication and Education.
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I recently had the pleasure of being selected to be part of a panel at the Indiana Deaf and Hard of Hearing Transition Day at the Indiana State Fair Grounds. I served on the panel with four other
esteemed career professionals. Transition Day was created to inspire deaf students and push them towards a successful future. Presentations throughout the day consisted of employment options, vocational rehabilitation support, navigating Social Security Income benefits, and so much more. There were many booths displaying different services, products, and opportunities that 
would aid the deaf in one way or another.
The panel was created to inspire the participants (mostly high school students on the brink of graduating) by exposing them to five career professionals who have done well for themselves in the “hearing world”. We were also tasked with providing our insightful tips on how the students could be successful as well. I felt honored that I was asked to be on the panel, and I wanted to volunteer my time to help pave the way for today’s deaf youth. I went as a representative of Westfield Steel, and as an empowered deaf individual who worked hard to move from entry level into management in a hearing environment. My intention was to prove that hard work will triumph hearing loss. When the students see that it is possible, they will feel more encouraged to take chances.
The unemployment statistics for Deaf Americans are alarmingly high. According to multiple online sources, it is roughly 72%. The best thing I can do as an individual is to generate more exposure to employers like Westfield Steel. When the hearing masses see one person succeed, then another, and another, chances are they will feel more confident in hiring a deaf employee into their company.
