Disabled Employment During the Recession

This year, as we celebrate 20 years since the passage of the ADA, it’s important to note the progress that has been made. Truly, passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark moment. Since that time, the understanding of the general population for those with disabilities has increased greatly. Restaurants are now accessible to those with wheelchairs. Disabled employment has increased. Special parking spaces allow those whose mobility is decreased to park close to shops, and provide extra space to lower van ramps.

Even with the progress that has been made, the situation isn’t perfect. Employers are still hesitant to hire persons with disabilities, for fear that it will cost them money or that the person with a disability won’t be as productive. So today I’m highlighting and sharing a story by D’Arcee Neal, who talks about some of the difficulties that he is facing as he gets close to graduating with a master’s degree in creative writing.

We frequently like to focus on the triumphs of people overcoming difficulties in their lives, but I think it’s important to focus on the realities of what people with disabilities often face, and the will and determination it takes to succeed.

D’Arcee has a very realistic take on what it’s like to be disabled in this economy. I hope you’ll take a look at it to realize that, although the ADA has been a great boon to those with disabilities, it has only been 20 years and we still have a ways to go.

Disabled Employment During the Recession