I have a crippling disability. I cannot read. I cannot drive a car. I cannot even recognize the members of my own family. But most people would not describe me as a person with a disability. Why? Because when I put on my glasses, my disability goes away.
There was a time in human history when being nearsighted was a serious problem, sometimes even making the difference between life and death. But with the advent of corrective lenses, it has become a non-issue.
To varying degrees, this has happened with other disabilities as well. I have a friend with cerebral palsy who cannot walk. Using the combination of an electric wheelchair, an accessible community and some supportive friends, he can lead a full and productive life.
We have traditionally thought of disability as an individual characteristic, something we carry with us as part of who we are and that limits what we can do. But as we have seen, the practical impact of a disability can vary dramatically in response to available resources and environmental conditions. That is why I think it is more helpful to think of disability as a relational phenomenon.
With that in mind, a better understanding of “disability” is a mismatch between an individual’s ability to adapt to his or her environment and the environment’s ability to accommodate the unique needs of the individual.
My work involves helping students with intellectual/developmental disabilities transition from school to living as adults in our community. I am constantly amazed to see that these young adults are succeeding in paid employment all over our city with the accommodations of a good job coach and an open-minded employer.
An inspiring example of this is Marysville’s Inclusive Workplace Partners Program. The program is based on two beliefs:
•The inherent value of work, and
•Our shared responsibility to make employment a real possibility for everyone in our community.
It is a way to recognize businesses that are doing their part to provide employment or work training opportunities for people with disabilities.
When you become an IWPP Partner, your business is placed on a list to identify possible work sites for adults with disabilities. If your business looks like a good match for a client, a job coach will contact you to discuss the possibilities. This could be a couple hours a week working with the support of a job coach, or even paid employment, depending on the needs of your business.
You will also receive an IWPP window cling for your business, as well as a certificate from Mayor Jon Nehring.
You can become one of more than 30 local businesses that have registered for the IWPP by contacting Leah Tocco at the city–ltocco@marysvillewa.gov or 360-363-8000.
Disability is a dysfunctional relationship between an individual and his or her community. As with all troubled relationships, bridging this gap requires effort on both ends. Let’s make Marysville a place where inclusive employment is just the way we do business. We have the power to make disability all but disappear.
Jim Strickland is a teacher and advocate for people with disabilities.
