Handicap Spoken Here

I wrote this article on another blog in August and thought it still timely.

Discussions surrounding inclusion and diversity normally overlook those challenged physically and mentally. When diversity originated as race relations, we overlooked many citizens by ignoring anything except Black and White relationships. Honestly, it was perhaps America’s defining moment in better understanding among people of differences. Since then we included other races, sexual preferences, and religion. Veterans are now introducing a new phase that we completely ignored for many years – that of the challenged citizens.

Recently, President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Perry, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry. The gallant act cost Sgt. Perry is right hand during combat operations. This act of bravery will follow Sgt. Perry for the remainder of his life. At some point Sgt. Perry becomes Leroy Arthur Perry, private citizen. Many will forget his name and without his uniform he fades with the glory of the moment as many Medal of Honor recipients do.

War is as unpleasant an event as any I can recall. While not on a battlefield, I served in the Navy and know the anxieties at my level onboard a ship distanced from the ground activity. I know their anxiety is many levels higher, but aside from the anxiety and memories, there are other challenges facing our warriors. These challenges brought to the front challenges for those inheriting genetically created handicaps. I hope this serves as a catalyst for everyone, but I cannot help but believe the veterans will lead the way.

Recent legal actions brought about by an individual, reports refer to as an activist, noted an auto sales business not affording needs for handicapped customers, or for handicapped employees (the employer had yet to hire handicapped personnel.) Many local citizens questioned the “activist’s” purpose in filing legal actions with other sales operations in the city. Sometimes it takes a while for things to sink in. Watching Sgt. Perry activated my thinking.

Without handicap parking, how would a potential employee or customer feel about the operation/company? Handicap does not play to the extremes. There are aging, genetic, and performance injuries that do not “prevent” employment necessarily, nor the purchase of an automobile. I could not understand why a business ignored potential customers, but this particular business missed the point.

Every organization should make every attempt to include our challenged citizens at every opportunity. Adapting/adopting every opportunity to bring customers to the business,and potential employees comfort/ease of access should be both promoted and advertised. Again, our military members bring their leadership from the front to confront an otherwise less visible community.