For most, Independence Day is a time to have a big party to celebrate our independence. Our forefathers had a horrific battle on their hands to win our independence and the Fourth Of July is an appropriate way to remember what they did.
The Fourth Of July is also a time I like to remember the independence of people with disabilities. Even as simple as the independence to walk.Learning to walk for me didn't come until later in life. I used to crawl or was pushed in a wheelchair to get around. It wasn't until I had a couple of surgeries on my left leg and months of physical therapy that I started to walk around age 7.
Being accepted is a big part of independence. Society has had some habits of closing doors or making special arrangements for people whom they deemed different based on appearance alone.
African-Americans used to ride at the back of the bus because they were thought of as different. American-Japanese were put in detainment camps in the 40's because they were deemed to be a threat. People with disabilities were shut-in just because they were thought of as incapable of anything especially holding down a job.
Poet Robert Frost talks about "The Road Not Taken," a fork in the road and a decision to make. I believe, sometimes those decisions are made for you, like being hired.
Getting a job is a real challenge. I went to college to get as much education as I could to help in securing a job. The rigors of resumes`, phone calls and interviews are nothing new to me.
One such job search I remember wasn't the most pleasant experience, but helped me realize how tough it was getting accepted by society. I saw a job description in the classifieds for a graphic designer and video specialist. I knew I had the qualifications for the job from my college experience, so I applied.
A couple days after applying, I was called to set up an interview. Most of the time, an interview is a good thing. I got dressed up as usual in a nice conservative blue suit. My roommate tied my tie for me. I slapped on a little cologne and drove to the interview.
I asked for the manager at the counter and they paged him. A few minutes later he came up front and the girl behind the counter pointed to me. The minute he laid eyes on me, I knew I didn't have a shot at the job. I saw it in the shock in his eyes. My resume` and related material should have been enough to sell me, but the minute he saw me, the disability factor took over.
You may say it was my imagination, but after a very short interview, I never heard from them again. Yes, I called a couple of times, only talking to the secretary. First she said they were still deciding, then she said the position had been filled. I never received a letter or anything. With every other job, I'd always receive a nice form letter saying that my qualifications were nice, but not what they were looking for. This company didn't even do that.
I look back on that now with just a little anger, but mostly with relief. If I had gotten the job there, I wouldn't be where I am today. According to my boss, I am a great asset to the company. In that and in my own gut feeling, I know I am on the right road down life's path. Thanks Robert Frost.