It was with great joy on Saturday to hear Dr. Richard K. Pimentel speak at a conference in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act.
What a powerful speaker that truly spoke from the heart. So much has happened in the last 20 years and so much more work is needed as we embark on issues related to the Internet and other technological advances that have occurred since the ADA was passed on July 26, 1990. We need to rise and face the daily challenges for all with diverse disabilities. We need to train our young people to stand up and dream those dreams they have in their hearts.
Dr. Pimentel shared numerous true stories and experiences he has had along the way over the last 40 years. Hearts throbbed and tears gently streamed down the cheeks of those in the audience. The empathy was there and you felt it.
The veterans was another topic. He shared key elements about the Iran and Afghanistan War and how it is affecting our military service personnel. The attention these men and women need upon return home. The need to reach out and help them. Wars sometimes affect humans in different ways and we have to prepare ourselves to address those issues and provide help immediately.
A highlight of the session was education and training employers on all aspects of hiring those with disabilities. Through my own experiences with different employers this needs utmost attention. I have always felt strong that employers need to look past my own hearing loss and look at the qualifications I had to do the job. A job I was successful in accomplishing for years but it was struggle. People would say to me, "You speak so well I forget you have a hearing loss." That's the down side but it is also the up side. Hearing loss is so invisible and transparent sometimes. How do we educate others...stay tune.
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