NEWPORT, R.I. – Mrs. Ruth Chapman, who serves as the Fleet Seminar Program (FSP) Program Assistant for the U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) College of Distance Education (CDE), was recognized for her impressive 10 years of federal civilian service by NWC President Rear Adm. Pete Garvin on October 13, 2023. What’s even more impressive is the fact that she’s reached this professional milestone without the sense of sight.
A proud Pennsylvania native turned honorary Rhode Islander, Ruth was born with aniridia, a rare condition affecting both eyes characterized by the absence of the iris. Due to the absence of the iris, it is not possible for a person with aniridia to control light intake into the eyes or achieve depth of focus. Ruth, however, has not let aniridia prevent her from pursuing her professional ambitions and serving her nation.
“I’m thankful for those that have looked beyond the white cane,” she said. “I know that I can do any task given the opportunity, yes I may have to do them a little differently than a person who is sighted, but I’ve learned workarounds with screen readers and other tech.”
Having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Edinboro University and associate degree in Administrative Health from Robert Morris University, Ruth’s journey to ten years of federal service initially started with her working for Naval Undersea Warfare Center. After various other civilian positions, she eventually joined the NWC team.
When asked what she enjoys most about working at NWC, the highlights of her day are the interaction with the more than 800 students she supports each academic year.
“It’s been an enriching experience here; I really do enjoy corresponding with the students,” she said.
As the Department of Defense recognizes October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Ruth shared her advice for anyone who may be struggling with finding employment or facing the challenges that come with disability in the workplace.
“Don’t give up, continue enhancing your skills,” she said. “It’s important to connect with go-getters and people that will be supportive; otherwise, you risk getting stuck in a place where people won’t look past what they see and not consider what you can actually do. I’m blessed to be here where people have that kind of supportive attitude.”
Outside of her role at NWC, Ruth enjoys crocheting, reading, word games, play scale miniaturization, and living so close to the ocean. While she does not get to swim as much as she used to, she and her husband enjoy their proximity to the coast and the occasional indulgence in the fresh seafood the “Ocean State” has to offer.
To learn more about NDEAM please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website here.