The more people know about the capabilities of people with disabilities to work and lead independent lives, the more we can shatter stereotypes and misperceptions. However, there is more that needs to be done to spread the awareness that hiring people with disabilities is good for businesses in West Virginia. For example, seven out of ten working age Americans who are blind are not employed.
I know employers can make a difference. Two years ago, one of my staff employees became disabled after a fall in his home injured his spinal cord. He's now back at work and continues on the road to recovery with the help of accommodations I'm pleased to say the House of Representatives made for him at my request. From help getting his transportation past security checkpoints to getting his wheelchair into the office, from designing his workstation to accommodating his workout routine, the House answered my requests affirmatively. This month he was recognized by his state vocational rehabilitation program for his accomplishment of returning to work.
All of us face battles -- many of us face more than our fair share. Today serves as a reminder of that truth. It is a truth we as a society must respect and must work to make right so that people who are willing to work hard are able to do so.
There is more than abundant evidence here that despite all odds against it, the human spirit is a difficult, if not impossible, flame to snuff out. The courage of disabled Americans is contagious and their successes empower all of us to be better individuals, better community members, and better Americans.
Please join me in supporting them through recognizing October as the National Disability Employment Awareness Month and encouraging our communities to give disabled Americans fair access to employment.
Read Rep. Rahall's full statement online at http://www.rahall.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=11&parentid=5§iontree=5,11&itemid=1318
Contact:
Kate Denman
Legislative Assistant
Office of Congressman Nick J. Rahall, II
2307 RHOB
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3452
(202) 225-9061 (fax)
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