To conclude, I have clearly demonstrated that the physically disabled are people too. Some may say that American society has already begun to accept handicapped people into their public school systems, work force, and communities by heeding to the Mainstreaming and Disability acts, which were passed. These laws were steps toward protecting physically disabled people's rights and giving them mobility to contribute their talents to society.
Unfortunately, the majority of handicapped people, who have been institutionalized and must depend on state run human services geared mainly for the mentally retarded have not been given the opportunity to fight for justice. Many of them may feel extremely frightened to demand better treatment for they do not want to be abused more. Also, they may feel trapped in a world full of despair because society does not provide any alternatives to enhance their lives. Those, who may live with family members or can function in apartments with aides, found that the Disability Act does not help them obtain jobs and fight discrimination.
It has always been very difficult to prove that these innocent human beings are not being offered fair chances to lead productive lives in court. The general public has always automatically assumed that a person, who may have speech difficulties and may be confined to a wheelchair, is incompetent to attend college and successfully hold a high paying career down. Furthermore, this person probably will not receive any justice unless he or she has a terrific lawyer and a streak of good luck.
I strongly believed that it is important to demand better human services and justice. If Loreena, Ruth, Christopher Nolan, John Callahan, and I did not exercise our rights, then we would probably be dead. Dead may be powerful word, but I have always felt that it is appropriate. Could you imagine being institutionalized and receiving abusive treatment? Please, do not attempt to answer this question unless you have been physically disabled.
It was truly remarkable how Ruth was able to keep struggling for her freedom, especially after being abused for years. Christopher kept pursuing his writing career, even though many people doubted his capabilities. Loreena had courage and determination to overcome her terrible educational experiences to earn an Associates degree in liberal arts. John began to appreciate life for it was worth by conquering his own fears and became an emotionally stronger person. If I believed that I would never amount to anything, I would still be watching television in the children's section at the New Jersey Achievement Center and attempting to commit suicide.
Furthermore, demanding better treatment builds character and redefines who you are. Achieving goals and imagining strolling on a crystal clear rainbow inspires one to prove that anything is possible. Dr. Twohy really lives by these words for she has the ability to admire inner beauty that dances in the hearts and souls of physically disabled people. She strongly feels that computer technology enables these people to contribute their talents to the world. This technology is a fabulous tool for those, who have speech difficulties, to communicate with others and to enter college or the work force.
The Adaptive Services is an unique program that offers the disabled opportunities to become productive, successful citizens. Human services, such as Life / Work and the Hackensack Adult Training Center, should be either restructured or destroyed. I am sorry to write that these programs remind me of doing time in prison. It is absolutely ridiculous to think professionals, who are specifically trained to assist the disabled improve their lives, want to make people more handicapped and miserable. If I did not attend these programs, I certainly would not be typing what happens behind close doors because how could I have known the tears of silence?
Since the nation is in an economical decline, governmental grants and budgets that support human services for the disabled are shrinking. What is the answer to this crisis? If we keep choosing to settle for less and suffer in silence, things will either stay the same or become progressively worse. As one would say, "One voice can make a difference."