When I look up good stories for the Readings entries on this blog, I have to wade through a sea of stories related to handicapped parking; cheats, abusers and plain old fashion inconsideration. It is an important issue but by far not the only obstacle faced by disabled individuals. It would be a cool world if this was the biggest issue! I think things like access to affordable decent housing, extremely high unemployment and too little education are much more important, Sadly, in my experience, news on these issues is harder to find. In our ratings / profit driven media this is not too hard to understand. Readings on plane crashes, killers and rogue states get better ratings and generate more advertisers. This does not mean these serious issues facing America’s disabled are small and unimportant.
It is all too common for the disabled to have less education, poor housing and mind boggling rates of unemployment. I know there are not the only issues, rather just a few examples. Now instead of pointing out how I know these problems exist, I’d rather focus on answers. If you are a handicapped person reading this blog, the answer is in your closest mirror. That’s right. The answer is you! Equal rights, better housing and a job are not things others have to give. Rights are for us all. There’s no rights fairy. They don’t belong to someone who gives them out like candy. Rights are gained by being used and exercised. The Civil Rights Movement did not simply appear one day. Many worked hard and sacraficed dearly for it. I'd say it is still an ongoing struggle for countless marginalized groups both here and around the globe. The struggle may never end. I see emplyment as a basic human right but it is not in most places. There's more than hope. There is YOU!
If you can read this blog, you can learn some kind of in demand skill to gain or create a better job. With the right skill, a wheelchair or other assistive devices are no longer barriers. With the right skill, employers will find you. With the right skill, you can not only improve your own life but the lives of others as well. What are these skills? The answer also lies in the mirror. No one else can tell you what skills you have or need to learn. Look within. We are all individuals with unique talents and gifts. Letting someone else tell you what you should learn or get into is like having someone else pick out shoes or clothes for you. Sure they may fit but will they be comfortable? Doubtful and in time you’ll be shopping again. Whatever barrier or limitation you face; picture how you could work or practice your passion. This is not easy or quick. It will take both time and hard work. I’ll use myself as an example.
I want to be a motivational speaker and help people peacefully resolve conflicts. I’m not there yet but I’m still walking toward it. I’ve earned a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution and written a book (almost two books now). Recently, I’ve had people ask me to help with personal conflicts, assist with trainings and facilitate meetings in high conflict situations. I’m not yet doing these things full time and freely admit I’m not where I want to be but I’m much closer than five years ago. I ask how can I do these things? I need an accessible site to meet and someone to help out with writing depending on the situation. If I’m good at what I do my physical appearance and limitations quickly melt away into the task at hand. I feel like I’m moving forward despite doubts and setbacks along the way. There is no reason you cannot do the same.
A happy and bright future cannot be given by another, we have to create it. Dream it up and make it so!
you ARE a motivational speaker :)
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