Conclusion:
Looking to the Future

Are things getting better for the disabled? The answer is not simple. In some ways things are better. Not long ago most disabled people were never given a chance to work or improve themselves. They usually stayed at home and were cared for by their families. Sometimes they were sent to institutions. Often they were not given an education. Many people did not believe that they could contribute to society. These ideas are changing.

Today people are better educated about disabilities. Employers are learning that the disabled can do a great deal. They are good workers who want to make a contribution. But disabled people who want to work face the same uncertain future as the non-disabled. Finding a job in the 1990s is hard for everyone.

Many people are struggling with difficult questions: should governments pass laws that would make companies hire a certain number of people with disabilities? Many employers do not like this idea. They say it takes away their right to hire who they want. Even some disabled people do not like the idea. They would prefer to get a job based on their own skills and merits. They say that under such a system they would lose self esteem. The Newfoundland government has no rules about jobs for the disabled. The government itself hires very few disabled people. Less than 1% of the thousands of people who work for the government are disabled. The federal government does require companies to hire some disabled people, but the companies must be very big.

What about technology? Is the growing role of technology in our society good for the disabled? Again, the answer is not simple. Technological advances have helped many disabled people, giving them better wheelchairs and talking computers. But technology is also taking away many jobs that disabled people have usually done. Most disabled people work in the unskilled job market. In 1991, 50% of jobs were unskilled. Because of technology, by the year 2000 only 5% of jobs will be unskilled. If the disabled are going to lose 45% of their job market, where will they find work in the future?

For people like Cindy, Wayne, Fred and Rene the answers are not clear. The disabled have come a long way. But there is still a long way to go. Their "right to work" has never been a sure thing. In the 1990s it is not a sure thing for the able-bodied either. But the disabled are tired of being left out. They will continue to fight for the right to work. They will continue to educate other people and themselves. They will learn the new technologies. They will continue to dream. As we enter the 21st century, they are determined to not be left behind.