I was 19 years old and about to enter my final year in school. The question was where I would go afterwards. I met with someone who was to advise me as to what my next step might be. I said I was hoping to go to university and then get a job. Allegedly the person wrote on my file that I had long brown unruly hair and unrealistic ideas for my future.
Although the 1970’s may seem a long time ago, many people today would be horrified by such a response, I want to ask how much our underlying attitude has changed. I would concede that I had reasonably long brown hair, it was the fashion at the time! The unruly nature of my hair had much to do with my head movements generated by my Cerebral Palsy. However, having an unrealistic idea as to my future did seem a little below the belt.
I have had several jobs in my career and worked in both the UK and East Africa. I hope that by doing so, I have managed to play my part in promoting social change. I also hope that in the future, disabled young people will not have to overcome the feeling of inadequacy and be expected to get a job, rather than be accepted when they do so.