In the heart of the Forest Service, an inspiring journey unfolds – a journey led by Tara Chavez, a blind employee who has defied expectations and shattered barriers in the world of information technology. Tara's story is a testament to the power of diversity and the remarkable ways in which unique skillsets can shape the greater good.
From her early days as an intern in Human Resources Management to her current role in the Chief Information Office, Tara's unwavering commitment to ensuring technology's accessibility for all shines brightly. But her advocacy goes beyond personal convenience; it's about creating a world where technology seamlessly welcomes everyone.
Tara, now a Collaboration Conferencing Specialist, initially found her journey somewhat unexpected but wholeheartedly embraced it, stating, "I love being able to ensure that people are getting what they need from us."
Her position encompasses various tasks, from testing software accessibility to managing licenses and ensuring software readiness. She emphasized, "an IT specialist is so broad. You literally can find a job for anybody." Tara's unswerving commitment to ensuring technology's accessibility for all, both inside and outside the Forest Service, is a testament to her determination and advocacy. Her story is a reminder that diverse opportunities within the IT field can lead to meaningful careers; her career was driven by a passion for making technology inclusive and user-friendly for everyone.
Through her work she stresses the importance of making documents accessible to all, particularly related to the need for proper tagging in PDFs. She says, "You've started this project, and now how do I make it work for everyone? Not just some people. Everyone." Tara believes that making documents accessible benefits everyone, as it streamlines access to information for people with disabilities.
Patterson the Mascot
Tara has not embarked on her advocacy journey alone. Her trusty guide dog, Patterson, has been by her side for about six years. When talking about Patterson, “I jokingly say he is the Chief Information Officer's mascot.” When not sleeping in the office, Patterson helps her navigate the building and staircases safely, even during fire drills. If there's an alarm, he’s been trained to find the nearest exit, even if it's different from their usual route. Patterson is Tara’s set of eyes, stopping for elevation changes and doorways. They’re a team, 100% of the time, and she’s grateful for the love and support Patterson provides.
Making a Difference New Mexico
Outside of the Forest Service, Tara serves as the president of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico, extending her advocacy to a broader scale, working to pass legislation like the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act. She champions universal design principles, highlighting how accessibility features benefit a wide range of people, not just those with disabilities. Tara's advocacy is driven by her belief in making digital content and technology accessible to everyone.
Tara's journey at the Forest Service exemplifies dedication, advocacy and resilience. Her commitment to ensuring digital accessibility for all, regardless of their abilities, is not only commendable but also essential in an increasingly digital world. Tara's story serves as an inspiration for creating a more inclusive future where technology truly benefits everyone.
