Disability No Barrier For New White House Receptionist

Commentary by Kelley Swanson:

Proving that being deaf won't hold her down, Leah Katz-Hernandez, is about to take on the White House. She has just been hired as the receptionist for the White House. Ms. Katz is no novice to the Obama administration as she worked for his campaign before. Her talent and intelligence obviously impressed many important people, which proves that a person who has an impairment might be the best candidate after all.

Disability No Barrier For New White House Receptionist

March 27, 2015

Charged with welcoming world leaders and handling the official guest book, the newly-appointed White House receptionist just happens to be deaf.

Leah Katz-Hernandez, 27, is posted right outside the Oval Office where she greets anyone coming to meet President Barack Obama or one of his top advisors, reports TODAY.

The Connecticut native, who was born deaf, previously worked on Obama’s re-election campaign and in the first lady’s office.

In her new role as the receptionist of the United States, she is assisted by a sign-language interpreter with day-to-day activities like answering the West Wing phone.

Katz-Hernandez is also tasked with overseeing the Roosevelt Room and collecting cell phones from those meeting with the president, among other duties.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and also to show that deaf people can do anything,” Katz-Hernandez told TODAY. See the video at http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/03/27/disability-receptionist/20165/