6:13am June 1, 2015

“Would it surprise you to learn that in the U.S. there are still businesses with no wheelchair ramps? Academic buildings with whole floors inaccessible? Ridiculously high rates of homelessness amongst the mentally ill? And tons of working disabled people who have to live in fear, knowing that it’s commonplace to get fired under contrived means, just because they require small adjustments to work as efficiently and comfortably as their peers? Think about this before you complain about empty handicapped parking spaces or laugh at professional Signers during events. Think about the phone call I had this evening from a potential employer. I was treated as a good candidate at first, but then a surprise: even though I could easily use public transportation and taxis to get around, the organization wants me to drive a vehicle in order to ‘network at a moment’s notice.’ Something they failed to mention on the listing. This is a legitimate and legal way to deny a disabled person a job under the premise that I could not ‘perform the duties assigned.’ He says he might call again later in the week. I’m not holding my breath.”

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