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Our Society Should Have a Place for Everyone
Salvador Preciado
BEFORE YOU READ:
1. Read the title. What does it mean to “have a place for everyone”? Discuss.
2. Look at the images carefully and share what you see.
United Spinal Association staff and members at the 2019 “Roll on Capitol Hill” disability advocacy event. CC-BY-SA-4.0
Making Change
In the past, many people with disabilities didn’t have the chance to be active members of the community. But today, many countries try to include people with disabilities in everyday life. People are pressuring their governments to make sure that people with disabilities can take part in politics, everyday life, and sports, and that’s a good change.
Photo courtesy of the Starkloff Disability Institute
Improve Access
Many countries have laws that help people with disabilities have a voice in the community. Disabled people can vote, share their ideas, and work in politics. Over time, people have fought for laws that allow disabled people to get into buildings, use public transport, and understand information. For example, many buildings now have ramps or elevators for people in wheelchairs. Buses and trains have spaces for people with disabilities. Some events have sign language interpreters or subtitles so that everyone can understand. These changes make it possible for people with disabilities to vote and be included in politics and decision-making.
Make Discrimination Illegal
The disability rights movement also fought for laws that protect all human rights. So now there are programs in many countries that support education, jobs, and healthcare for people with disabilities. For example, in the U.S., it is illegal for employers to discriminate against people with disabilities. And disabled people cannot be denied an education. Disabled people now have access to more skills and resources they need to live independently and have good lives. People with disabilities are not only getting basic support, they have the chance to achieve their goals, just like everyone else.
Image from the People’s History Museum in England. https://phm.org.uk/exhibitions/nothing-about-us-without-us-2019/
Sports for Everyone
But it’s not just about politics and services. Sports is also an important area. In the past, people with disabilities didn’t always have the chance to play sports. Now, governments are helping people with disabilities join sports activities, whether they just want to have fun or compete. There are big events like the Paralympic Games where athletes with disabilities can compete.
These events show the world that people with disabilities can be strong and successful. Local sports programs are also being created to help people with disabilities play sports in their communities. This helps improve their health, confidence, and well-being.
A Place for Everyone
For me, our society should have a place for everyone. People with disabilities have important ideas and experiences to share, and they should be included in everything. We should keep working to make sure all people can live a life that is full, active, and equal. Everyone must have the chance to be part of society. When we make room for everyone, we can create a world that is more fair and more respectful.
AFTER YOU READ:
After reading the text, studying the pictures, and watching the videos below, discuss the role of regular people in making change happen in society.
Take It Further
- Learn about the history of the Paralympics. Watch the video at this link: https://www.paralympic.org/ipc/history
- Learn about a longtime disability rights activist, Judy Heumann at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PnUza4FPz8
Salvador Preciado is a lawyer from Mexico with a Master’s degree in Human Rights. He has been in the United States for one year. He is an ESOL student at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. In the future, he plans to take a course for developing his career pathway by becoming a lawyer’s assistant.