|
Interviewer: What would you see as the primary challenge to overcome
in terms of accessing quality competitive employment opportunities
for individuals with significant disabilities?
Michael Callahan: To answer your question, I think of my 15-year-old
daughter. She doesn't have a disability, and her mom and I, her grandparents,
her school, her neighbors, her community, all think that she is going
to work as an adult.
We have to have employment as the default position. Not a choice
to work, but an assumed lifestyle for all people with disabilities.
As it is for all people and that simple notion whether it's played
out at the individual and family level, whether it's played out at
the agency level. What are we supposed to do? It’s played out
at the funding level, at the employer level, at the community level.
I think the primary issue is: Why wouldn’t we see people with
disabilities in need of employment lifestyle just as we would see
for our own kids? It is just as simple as that.
back to top |