Take the Time...
By Sara Jamison
Some people go about their lives without taking the time to think of others. Really. I mean, think of the number of students you hear complaining about the fact that they don’t have a job anymore, or about the student complaining about the test they just failed.
Imagine not being able to get a job because of a mental or physical disability that haunts you for life, or not even being able to read and comprehend that history exam at all.
Students with mental disabilities have it tough in high school. They want to be involved with the rest of the students, but aren’t able to because the classes are too difficult for them, and they have to take special classes designed for their abilities. Many of them are turned away from employment because employers are scared to hire someone just because they might need a little extra help in learning.
If anything, I think more of employers who take the time to help out those at a disadvantage.
For example, the nearest Super Target here has a handicap employee who shoots around in his electric wheelchair like a pro. He’s been there for awhile actually -- and it makes me smile to know that Target’s manager put his faith in him. The employee is superfriendly, and even though his speech is a little hard to understand and he’s not able to reach items on high shelves, he does his best to help. He’s always the first to wheel up to you and ask how you’re doing and if you need help finding anything. And he knows that store like you wouldn’t believe!
At one of my current places of employment, one of the employees has a child with Down Syndrome. Hobby Lobby let Alice help out around the store, and even though her job was quite limited, seeing the smile on her face as she walked the aisles in her blue vest was accomplishment enough.
Allowing disabled people to work is, to me, impressive enough about a company. It tells you a lot about the company’s work ethic. It shows that they not only want to employ people, but they also want to best for people and care about their feelings.
It’s one of those things that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling to know that some people are out to help enhance the lives of others.
This holiday season, take the time out of your hectic schedule to change one’s life -- such a simple “inconvenience” to us may mean the world, and more, to someone else.
About the Author:
Sara Jamison may be contacted by email at sarajamison@hotmail.com.
Article courtesy of www.suite101.com.
