ADA, getting a job and fear vs. reality

So, a comment over at Wheelie Catholic left me thinking. And oddly, it lead me to thinking about employment. I can't quite trace the thought line, but even if I could, I don't know that I want to screw anyone else's brain up as much as mine is. ;)

The ADA does not allow a prospective employer to ask about someone's level of disability when they interview them. That's a good thing, except when it isn't. The issue, is that because they can't ask, they also can't judge how hard/expensive accommodations will be. And I worry, that all too often, their fear keeps them from hiring me. They see a wheelchair, but they can't ask if that means I'll need a more flexible schedule, or more sick days. They can't ask if I'll need ramps, or a fully accessible bathroom. While it would be nice if every place was completely accessible, that isn't a reality yet. They can't ask if I'll need a special desk or anything. And, so, I wonder if they worry.

Part of me, wishes that they could ask me, and I could explain to them that we can work through it together, and that my needs aren't nearly as expensive as they are probably afraid of.

I wonder how many places don't hire someone, because they are creating a bigger problem in their head than actually exists in reality.

A sad day when you find a way around the ADA

Well, the state of Wisconsin has decided to offer a variance to an accessibility law. http://www.channel3000.com/news/17113541/detail.html

Basically, the state is allowing a developer of an apartment complex to have a 4 inch drop between the apartment and the balcony. It does say that "However, a person with a physical disability recognized by federal authorities, such as someone in a wheelchair, can ask the developer to rip out the old door and install a new one that is nearly flush with the floors, removing any accessibility concerns." Great, that should encourage the developer to sell to someone with a disability. Let's add more reasons for them to discriminate. Oh, and what if the original owner sells it? Will the developer come back and change out the doors if the new owner needs accessibility?

This is a sad thing. The ADA has been in effect for 18 years, there really is no excuse at this point. That the state has decided to overrule this important legislation is highly telling of both the state, and the protections that the ADA/FHA actually provide.

Yet one more apartment building that won't work for a person using a wheelchair.

The thrid category

Disability bloggers often talk about the stereotypes of people with disabilities. Generally, they talk about two categories. The pitiful person who is "wheelchair-bound" or "suffering from"... or the "supercrip" who does everything "Despite" their disability. (See http://cripwheels.blogspot.com/2008/05/privilege-of-despite.html) I would like to add a third. The image of people with disabilities as entitled people who just want the world to take care of them.

I'm amazed by it when I encounter this attitude. It manifests itself in the idea that there are people hanging out on disability who don't need it. It manifests in the attitude that people with disabilities shouldn't be in the classroom, because they might use up all the teacher's time and the school's resources. It manifests itself in the attitude that people who ask for accommodations, or mere compliance with 17 year old laws, are being demanding and trying to take down businesses.

I'll start with that last one. The ADA isn't new. It's 17 years old and will soon be 18. I have a very hard time believing that a business can't save $100 a year, and now have $1,700 to make a simple ramp so that I can get up the one damn step to get in. But apparently insisting that it is long past time for these modifications makes me "demanding" and "unreasonable". Sorry, but I just don't see it that way. I'm tired of hearing "it's expensive". I'm tired of hearing that "they just don't know what to do to fix it". The first is cured by saving. The second is cured by asking.

I just don't get it. People with disabilities aren't entitled because they want to be treated like other people. We aren't entitled for expecting minor modifications to allow us to be full participating citizens. I just don't get it.