Blog#5 by Scott (part2)

What do disabilities have to do with diversity? That question was a big one in the year 1999 at the University of Michigan.  The reason it was questioned is because people with disabilities have been left on the back burner longer than any other “diverse” group out there. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was long overdue in assuring the disabled that they shall not be denied benefits or be excluded from participation in, or be discriminated under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. I do not believe diversity is limited to skin color. I think it is great that disabled people are being heard and steps are being taken to allow them equal opportunity in the pursuit of higher education. I started thinking, during the readings, who needs higher education more than our disabled? Many disabled people can not work with their hands or do other labor intensive jobs. So, if anyone should be allowed a chance at a higher education, why not the handicapped and disabled members of our community. It is nice to know that much has been accomplished in the last 30 years as far as students with disabilities graduation rates. I agree with the authors Bryan and Myers that much more needs to be done to include the disabled community in the university system. I personally do not see a lot of disabled people on campus, and that saddens me. I chose a sign of an access button for handicapped people to use to gain access to a room or hallway without having to open a door manually. I think with today’s technology we can help disabled and handicapped people to have the same access to the places everyone has.