I was cited as saying, “given the right treatment, people who are confined to wheelchairs will find out they can grab a life.”
I want to express to the public that this statement or anything remotely similar was NOT stated during the presentation. I would have said that people actually USE wheelchairs and are not CONFINED to them.
This negative language is actually part of the problem and what significantly contributes to the ongoing stigma and unemployment of people with disabilities.
If you ask the majority of people using wheelchairs they will say that the chair is just an extension of themselves, their legs if you will, and that the chair is actually freeing because it provides them with mobility they would not otherwise have.
Nevertheless, the title of the article was right, disabilities are not work barriers — attitudes are.
I encourage you to change your views of people with disabilities and to not feel pity or sadness on their behalf.
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month I would be honored to share with you ways to respectfully interact and communicate with people with disabilities. I may be reached at [email protected]
MELENA SLAVEN, M.A.
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Capital Hill, Saipan
