Employment discrimination wrong

To the editor:
I recently heard that employers and business people do not like the Americans with Disabilities Act. I guess some of them are getting sued for discrimination. About time. You would not treat blacks or women the way you treat some of us.
Let’s look at some things. Some of your excuses are:
•“I would like to hire you, but …” But does not pay the bills, pal.
•“It will hurt my insurance.” No it won’t.
•“I cannot have you waiting on my customers. It will make them feel uncomfortable.” People are uncomfortable with what they are not used to. You need to get used to people who are different.
For example, I met a lady a few years ago who is blind. At first I was not sure what to do, but then I got to know her. Now I treat her just like anyone else except when I first begin to speak to her I tell her who I am to be sure she recognizes my voice. I feel completely comfortable around her. It’s really not the handicap so much as the perception of it.
Because you business people take the attitude that you do, people who are honest, capable, loyal, hard-working and knowledgeable do not get hired. It seems to me you are more interested in making buildings and sidewalks accessible than hiring people for jobs. It is not so much about employing people who need jobs, it’s about screening them out. I consider discrimination against people looking for jobs highly dishonest and immoral.
This is a very hard letter for me to write because I am concerned with hiring practices in general. It is not just the handicapped. In my case I was diagnosed as having a mild case of cerebral palsy. My speech is slow and loud; my demeanor is a little off; and I can get off-balance if I am tired. You would not believe the problems I have had with business people over the years.
That, however, is a subject for another letter. Stay tuned.
Bill Scofield
Union City[[In-content Ad]]