As a young college student, I, like many of my peers, am trying to balance school, health and a decent income. One thing that makes me different is that I am physically disabled and therefore struggle with daily life. When I was 14, I was struck by a speeding car and paralyzed on the left side. While I have since taught myself to walk again and can perform most basic functions, I cannot move my left hand and I become tired quickly, especially when walking or standing for extended periods of time. Despite my willingness to work hard and prove myself, I believe my disability discourages most employers from considering me as an applicant. I have not been able to locate a job or company that will hire me-after more than 150 applications to different positions.
I do not mean to sound like an unappreciative child, I wish only to point out the disadvantage that disabled people have within the entry level job market, particularly those with partial or less obvious disabilities. I do not qualify for disability because I am not “paralyzed enough” for their assistance. As the war returns hundreds of soldiers to civilian life with disabilities, there are many other people like me who are also barely surviving. There needs to be more support for people with disabilities.
Shahaela Doyle
Bellingham
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