The Voiceless Minority

One of the biggest misconceptions about disability is that just because one has a disability, one cannot learn. Pieces of legislation in recent history, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education (IDEA) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP), have mitigated this misconception to a degree but are they enough to break the glass ceiling that society has imposed on disabled individuals as a result of what they have been taught about disabilities in the first place? The term ‘glass ceiling’ is typically used in business settings, and it refers to the final position an individual reaches beyond which they are unable to advance despite having qualifications that make them eligible for higher-level positions. To be clear, this has to do with bias that exists in those environments, not necessarily the policies that are in place. However, for this piece, I will use it about those who have disabilities that have been, or are currently being, educationally stunted by those around ...

According to my friends, I am a twenty-six-year-old male who is funny, charming, and intelligent. Apart from these traits, I do have one that makes me stand out from the crowd. I have a disability. It is known as cerebral palsy. This is not a life-threatening disability, but it does limit my movements and other activities in my life. I am currently going for a master’s degree in education and hold two bachelor’s degrees, one in history and one in theater. By many people’s standards, I would be considered well on my way. However, there are still obstacles I must overcome. As I’ve stated before, in 1990, a piece of legislation was introduced known as the Americans with Disabilities Act. This Act attempted to eliminate as many barriers to inclusion in society for people with disabilities as possible. It specifically focused on five areas, including making it easier for people to access public education, public buildings, and improving communication opportunities. Additionally, it aime...