Just Ask

In The Danger of a Single Story, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie talks about the danger of making general assumptions abut an entire group of people based on a single but repeated narrative. When our paths cross with people who go against a narrative that we have accepted, we begin to expand our understanding. When making decisions that affect others, it makes sense to have all affected parties at the table. Yet too often when those decisions affect persons with disabilities, we speak for them.

 

Recently I was invited to attend a meeting to determine what to do when piece rate work is phased out leaving many with disabilities without work. The meeting rules were clear. The purpose was to share ideas for those who would be left without work options. Determining if removing piece rate work should happen was not to be discussed. A plan was sought for those soon to be out of work, a clear implication that they knew many people with disabilities would lose employment even though they insisted this wouldn’t happen prior to the vote to remove their work options. I chose to join this meeting even though I was skeptical. Still, I had to advocate for work options for H and his friends. How many who voted to eliminate my son’s job options really understood the issue? How many relied on a single story told by some who were working below minimum wage when they had the capacity to maintain a minimum wage job with a little help? Did those who clearly knew that some would lose work options know anyone affected? Did they even ask?

 

Too often a single story tells us that those with more significant disabilities are unable to add their voice, so they need others to speak for them. But that isn’t entirely true. They can absolutely add their voice to the table. They may not be articulate but that doesn’t excuse those passing legislation that affects them without asking about their needs or desires. Legislators should visit a community integration work site, visit workers living with disabilities for a day at work, a half day, even a hour. I strongly believe that if they could see the joy this group has being able to work, have a job, work along side their peers, their understanding would change

 

When asked, I described what would be needed to offer this population work, once piece rate work disappeared. Companies cannot afford to employ someone at minimum wage who does not have the ability to work at an expected pace so stipends will be needed to make employment possible. People with more significant disabilities are also vulnerable when left alone to fend for themselves at a worksite so a job coach would be needed for direction and instruction and could provide support and security. People with significant disabilities cannot drive and there isn’t enough public transportation so transportation will be needed to and from work sites.

 

They deserve to have work options. They deserve to have a voice.  It’s not difficult. Just ask.