7/17/08
“We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers,
stereotypes, and discrimination .... policies must be developed, attitudes must
be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that
everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as
full citizens in their communities.” – B. Obama
I read that quote on your website and felt compelled to
write you.
I’m 29 and disabled. I wish to share my experiences with
employment and education. I will suggest solutions that will better help you
make the changes the disabled community desperately needs. I hope this will
give you insight into a world few live in.
Every college should provide attendants to help the
disabled in the classroom. Transportation to that college should be made easily
available. Such as an accessible taxi, or a public bus. During my education in
the public school system, kindergarten through 12th grade, an
attendant to write for me was provided. The school system found her and paid
her. When I graduated high school I felt I was thrown into the world with
little help to further my education. This has to change! I ended up at a
vocational school at a rehab that handed out certificates when a degree is what
I needed and deserved.
I’m older now and my ambition towards college has
fizzled. It’s hard to find an attendant for home care let alone one for
college. It’s my opinion the most successful people with disabilities are the
ones with a large supportive family. I basically just have my mother. So it is
essential to have a strong education system in place for people with disabilities;
preschool through college. The current system has failed me and I’m sure
countless others.
I feel like an African American during the 60’s civil
rights movement when it comes to employment. There are many barriers that
aren’t disappearing fast enough. People’s attitudes towards disability needs to
change. I’m not sure how that will ever happen. Laws have been made for people
with disabilities in the workplace, but who’s there to enforce them? I want to
work. I’m an intelligent woman that has much to offer, but nobody seems to be
flexible to allow me into the workforce. Flexible to the fact that my work area
may look funny due to the equipment I need. Flexible in knowing I may be late
sometimes due to a hitch in my morning routine. Etc.
Lastly, I want you to understand my vitality depends
solely on what type of care I receive. I can do nothing without an attendant.
They should be paid more and given healthcare benefits. I often wonder how much
more I could accomplish with a higher quality attendant. I know I could find
more professional attendants if they were paid better and received benefits.
The disabled community votes!
I hope this has given you better insight into our world.
Sincerely,
Ivy
K.
Why I couldn’t give a flying flip about finding a job HERE
My experience with Personal Care Attendants HERE
9/9/08: Started a thread on disabled chat room. ‘Over
50mil disabled, a lot of votes to ignore’ Read peoples comments HERE
Responses/Results:
8/15/08: Received a form letter back from Barack’s campaign
office. Attached was a page that list five disability issues he supports. CLICK HERE to view it.
11/5/08
HE WON! ---- I’m living
in the era of the first African American President!
my note:
Thank you for running a smart campaign. Stay safe!
I was floored when Obama won. I didn’t think it was going
to happen.
Then on top of that he mentioned people with disabilities
in his FIRST speech as President Elect in Chicago.
I was ecstatic!
Thank you to his staff for running a smart, no nonsense
campaign.
Obama means hope. …. The American dream is a little
easier to achieve for me because of Barack.
I will pray for his safety and the safety of his family
each night.
Read my other posts from my blog on Obama’s official page
CLICK HERE
-Thank you for running a smart campaign. Stay safe! Oct 5th 2008
-why healthcare needs to be reformed NOW! - (likely cause of my CP) Oct 30th 2008
-which speech did he mention 'people with disabilities'? Oct 29th 2008
-Over 50mil disabled, a lot of votes to ignore? Oct 29th 2008
-Dear Obama (education and the disabled) Oct 29th 2008