Guest Author - Jessica Steinmetz
The Internet creates an equal environment for all members of society. No matter where you go, a disability is easily visible or has a major impact. People often judge you because you might use a wheelchair, communicate differently, have vision impairment or missing a limb. The Internet, however, is the one place you are equal, and no one can make snap judgments based on appearance.
A person with a mobility disability freely searches the Internet with no fear of steps or other barriers. People with vision disabilities can use software so the web sites are read to them. The web site needs to be accessible for such programs, and luckily, more web sites are updating access. People who cannot write or type, use programs where all they have to do is talk into a microphone and the computer will type for them.
Shopping online is possible without salespersons asking if we are alone or staring. Job searches are easier, and obtaining information is at our grasp.
Communicating with others is a lot easier. No one can see if you are disabled unless you tell him or her. Therefore, you are treated normally. You can also educate the person and break down any stereotypes the other person might have when and if you tell them you have a disability.
I am not suggesting we all sit at our computers 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The real world does exist and it is important to be apart of it. However, we should take advantage of this awesome opportunity. Perhaps one day the world will be as equal as the Internet.
Reflections of the Past
People with disabilities have come along way. The battle has been long, but we are moving in the right direction. With the new year started, people with disabilities are in much better shape than what they were a thousand years ago. I know that I am thankful that I live in this present time instead of many years ago.
A thousand years ago, people with disabilities were seen in a very negative way. Most people with disabilities did not survive because of a lack in medical care, technology, and family support. Some families left the disabled members outside to die because they felt that they could not waste their resources on that person. Also, people with disabilities were often looked at as evil or their disability could be catching so they disposed of the person.
As society progressed, treatment of people with disabilities did not necessarily improve. Many times people with disabilities were sent to institutions where they were often horribly abused. Doctors suggested to parents to give up the child if they had any kind of physical or mental disability. Other families might have used their child as a source of income and make them beg for money. In fact, it is rumored that the word handicap came from the saying handy with the cap. The person with the disability would collect money with caps for their families or themselves. The situation today for people with disabilities in the US is better. We now have the right to an education(only due to a law passed in 1975.) We can go to college, hold jobs, go places, and have families.
Certainly, things are not perfect and we will always have to fight some form of discrimination, but we should be happy we are living in these times. I think the best is yet to come.
