A Voice Unheard

So much of the world today concerns the issue of equality. We opt for a utopian society, but fail to recognize the larger problem binding us as a nation.

Discrimination is a problem troubling a large number of groups and individuals in the United States. The disabled, one of the most highly discriminated upon groups in the world, have fallen victim to this. New laws are passed to protect their rights, but the people of the United States let them go to the wayside. Their rights are important, and yet we do little to protect them.

Those who have suffered brain injuries and have other disabilities fight a hard battle. They are often forced to hire a lawyer in order to gain their civil rights, because of one small difference...a disability. Is this fair? Those who are in wheelchairs often have to pay for costly equipment and adaptable devices in order to gain their independence. Quite frequently, they are on a supplemental income and only have enough money to pay for food and housing. And lawyers want them to press charges!

So much for equality.

We have a voice to speak, but society no longer has the ears to hear our plea. Neither do they have the compassion to understand our pain. We always try to lay the blame on our peers. But shouldn't we consider the medium that promotes this type of behavior? For years, television has glorified the condemnation of the physically and mentally disabled.

There is so much to be learned. Pain and conflict touches each of our lives, often leaving scars that can never be erased. The people of the United States turn their noses up at the mention of helping the disabled. ADA laws are regarded as insignificant. If we can't get our money's worth, America assumes it's not worth their time.

Those with mental disabilities as a result of brain injury are often put in mental health facilities, and are then deserted by everyone they used to associate with. After all, it's tough enough to live in today's world. Disabled parking spaces are becoming easy targets for drivers who don't feel like walking. The government's too busy using our tax dollars to build amusement parks and baseball stadiums to worry about funding for who really needs it most.

Brain injured employees are faced with disillusion and despair. They are shunned by employers who value appearance and physical ability over qualification. Volunteer jobs have become scarce for them.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic