October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This is an important month for many reasons. In today’s post, I am going to talk about some reasons that stand out the most to me.
I know that there are some people who are  disabled, that because of their disability, cannot work. That is totally understandable. On the other hand, there are also people who have different types of disabilities who can work and want to work. For those people, finding a job can be a difficult thing to do.
1. The Americans with Disabilities Act – People could learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act. Title I talks about employment and removing the barriers that could exist for qualified people who have a disability. This is a great example of how the ADA gives an “equal playing field” to all potential employees.
2. Visibility in Society– When people who are disabled are out in the workforce, it gives this part of the population more visibility in the everyday world.   As a result, it doesn’t seem like we are locked away in a tower. (I always think of Quasimodo with the hump on his back–yes, I know, a bit antiquated but, some people do still think of disabled people this way). Some people do not realize that people who are disabled can positively contribute to society. This visibility in society also helps people who have not had experiences with people who are disabled so that they can maybe become more sensitive or better informed about this part of the population.
3. Stimulating the Economy Just as when people who do not have a disability are out in the workforce and stimulate the economy because they have money to spend, the same thing happens when someone with a disability has the opportunity to work. They have the opportunity to help the economy grow.
Employment continues to be a barrier for people who are disabled, though we have made some strides in the right direction. I also know that maybe some of my comments sound unreal or unbelievable but, for a lot of people, this is their reality. As I have said before, it’s not easy living with a disability but, at the same time, it is not something that can’t be done, and done successfully, for that matter. Don’t ever be afraid to think and look outside the box to achieve your goals, whatever they may be.
Thanks for reading…
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