As a member of Congress, it is my duty to be an
advocate for sound policies that support economic liberty and provide
our job creators the opportunity to succeed. In the coming weeks,
Washington must work to find some common ground to ensure our country
becomes financially viable once again. As we debate ideas, we must keep
close in mind—and heart—each and every American searching for steady
employment.
This includes our nation’s largest minority
group—people with disabilities. This diverse sect, spanning all
ages, genders, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds, is a large
contributor to our working populace and should be kept at the forefront
of negotiations aimed at growing and stabilizing our labor force.
Our state is fortunate to have programs and
initiatives whose goal is to help individuals with disabilities. On
November 12, 2010, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of
Rights Act, also known as the DD Act, was created to help individuals
with developmental disabilities to maximize their potential through
increased independence and productivity. Also, Title II of the DD Act
authorizes competitive grants to help states strengthen their family
support programs for families with a severely disabled family member. In
addition to legislation, federal agencies provide guidance to those who
are disabled. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is a federal
agency that deals with recruiting and maintaining employees. This agency
serves as an excellent resource for those individuals, disabled or not,
to seek and sustain employment.
It is important to support persons with disabilities
to become independent, productive and incorporated members of our
region’s workforce. Non-profit organizations like Families Helping
Families are true testaments to the strength of a community. Providing a
network of resources to people facing similar circumstances, Families
Helping Families embraces the meaning of positive thinking. Individuals
with disabilities are not broken or damaged, and having such a diagnosis
should not be used to define one’s value and promise. No one of should
be underestimated. Rather, these unique individuals should be treated
with respect and granted same opportunity to learn valuable job skills.
This principle extends to the realm of employment,
and individuals with disabilities deserve a fair shot. During difficult
financial times, many recent college graduates and countless seasoned
workers are frantically searching for jobs. When there is a 75 percent
unemployment rate of people with disabilities, it is hard to argue
change isn’t needed. Having an optimistic outlook and believing in
others are losing their appeal this day in age, and we need to modify
this approach. A disability does not define a person, and it certainly
should not be used as a predictor of one’s potential.
As a divided Washington looks to remove barriers to
job creation and finally provide Americans relief from uncertainty, we
must remember to put people before politics. After all, it is the people
who make America strong.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, represents
Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District and serves on the House
Appropriations Committee.
Did your parents ever tell you to think of others before yourself?
Having a selfless outlook can improve a situation and really open
people's eyes. During this rocky economic climate, Americans
struggle each day to find work and keep their heads above water.
At times it is difficult to maintain an optimistic, selfless
perspective, however, positive thinking can go a long way. As many
of you know, unemployment has increased within the past two years,
jumping from 7.6 percent to around nine percent, where it continues to
hover today. When presented this information, it is evident why it
can be difficult for those seeking work to stay strong. However,
if Lousisanans know best , it's how tor remain strong even during these
bleakest of circumstances.