People with disabilities have the potential to attend college and hold full-time jobs, but in a world that is taxing to even the most studious and motivated individuals, people with a disability need more help attaining the American dream.
Last month, State Rep. Walt Leger III, D-New Orleans, introduced a bill to stop using terms like “handicapped” and “disabled person” and instead people should use “person with a disability” in state statutes. The Louisiana Legislature will take up his proposal in March.
People with disorders like autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or Down syndrome are not disabled. They simply have a disability. These cognitive disabilities need more accommodation in our country’s schools and post-secondary institutions because education is essential in leading people with a disability to meaningful careers, as well as encouraging self-value.
There are an estimated 250,000 to 400,000 people in America with Down syndrome, according to the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation.
As of 2013, one in every 88 children born in the U.S. has a form of ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
LSU Disability Services offers accommodations on a case-by-case basis to help students with disabilities, providing things like extended time on exams, exams in a quiet, distraction-reduced environment or frequent breaks.
Education is closely related to employment opportunities. High unemployment levels for those with a disability are accepted too easily. Surely, it’s difficult for someone with ASD or Down syndrome to obtain a job. The rates usually shown only include the number of unemployed people actively seeking employment. Sadly, these statistics don’t account for people with disabilities who are not seeking a job because of low expectations about their employability.
“Currently, only 18 percent of adults ages 18 to 60 who have Down syndrome are in paid employment positions,” according to the Down Syndrome Footprint Foundation. This organization is committed to creating greater awareness and employment opportunities for those with the disability.
Employers who cannot see beyond a disability discourage people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. This practice does nothing to help change employment statistics or the future. Clearly, there is an issue with underemployment for those with ASD, Down syndrome and other disabilities. The problem runs much deeper than reluctant employers.
These issues were discussed at an Autism Speaks ThinkTank meeting last year. The events’ attendees, all stakeholders including business owners, addressed the role of those with a disability in the workforce and created probable solutions to identified problems.
People with autism struggle with “soft skills” like small talk around the office, but excel at clear and concise “hard skills.” Individuals with Down syndrome don’t drive, and the lack of convenient public transportation makes commuting difficult. In areas that aren’t near public transportation, job opportunities become limited to those with a disability. There is also a need for employers to understand and accommodate medical issues.
One accommodation suggested by Autism Speaks that can help an employee with a seizure disorder or light sensitivity is to replace fluorescent tube lighting with full-spectrum light or compact fluorescent light bulbs in the workplace or allow the employee to wear sunglasses or caps at work.
This issue is gaining more national attention than before, specifically regarding Obama’s executive order to raise minimum wage. However, we can all play a part in welcoming those with a disability into the classroom and workforce.
“Under current law, workers whose productivity is affected because of their disabilities may be paid less than the wage paid to others doing the same job under certain specialized certificate programs,” according to a White House memo explaining the recent order. “Under this Executive Order, all individuals working under service or concessions contracts with the federal government will be covered by the same $10.10 per hour minimum wage protections.”
The idea of going to college to get a great career is commonplace because employment is important in building productive and full lives. Therefore, individuals with a disability deserve opportunities to obtain a job and contribute to the world.
Justin Stafford is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Walker, La.