Post #1: Born to be a Minority

Although ethnic minorities is Marger's main focus, I feel emotionally compelled to talk about people with disabilities because they are considered a minority based on their physical or mental limitations. Until I read the brief mention about this in the book, I never thought to myself, "Josh, your a minority" since I always identify myself as a disabled person, and I was born this way. From my own personal experiences, what Marger says about the disabled is certainly not untrue. Throughout my life, I have been singled out and treated differently in various situations. For instance, I was recovering from a major operation during my Sophomore year of high school and was confined to a wheelchair. I also had a teacher aide that was helping me get around the school. I handed in a paper to my History teacher, and after reading it he asked, "Did you write this?" I said, "Yes I did." He also asked my aide if she had written it for me to which she responded, "No, he does all of his own work." Had I not been disabled and in a wheelchair, I do not think this would have been an issue.

In regard to educational opportunities, the Resource Room played a major role in my K-12 academic achievements. A Resource Room is an environment in a regular school where students get specialized instruction in whatever subjects they struggle with. This is one example of an accommodation that assisted me educationally, but did not cause me to feel any less "included" or "left out" while I went to school. Another helpful program established for people with disabilities is Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) which provides funding for me to attend Fredonia. Utilizing these advocative services allows me to feel less like a minority and more a part of mainstream society.

As for opportunities in employment, I have found them to be less advantageous and equal. After going on twenty job interviews, I felt intentionally discriminated against. While I cannot be certain of discrimination, I believe that as soon as the interviewer saw I was disabled, my chances of getting the job were either not as likely or ruined. Do I think all employers discriminate against disabled people? No, but I feel that I am at a disadvantage because of something that is a part of who I am, and unfortunately out of my control. Someday, I hope to see the same progress in employment for disabled people as there has been in education.

- Josh Steffen