Education is the Key to the Future
by Stephanie M, Pollock

The key to success for all women in the 21 st century is a strong education. An education is much more than the number of courses you have taken or your academic standing. To me, an education offers women many tools that simply can't be measured, things like self confidence, communication skills, organizational skills, social experiences and independence. A good education is very important for all women to attain but this is especially true for women who have disabilities.

Ignorance is perhaps the biggest barrier that prevents people with disabilities from reaching, their full potential.

Despite the many positive strides that women with disabilities have made over the past several years, there is still a lot of work to be done. The facts and figures consistently show that women with disabilities face higher unemployment than other women or than men with disabilities. It is very difficult to find a job, especially when you have to compete with so-called "able-bodied" men and women who are also looking for work. It can be very frustrating, and all too often women with disabilities give up their search for employment. This is why it is crucial that young women with disabilities have an education to aid them as they attempt to make the transition into the workforce.

Employment is very important, but there is more to life than a job (hard to believe, but true). Women with disabilities are called on constantly during their lives to educate those around them. Family, friends, co-workers and the public often need to be educated as to the abilities and strengths of those who have disabilities. Ignorance is perhaps the biggest barrier that prevents people with disabilities from reaching their full potential. Too often, all people see are the crutches, the wheelchair, the white cane, the hearing aid, the IQ scores. They fail to see the person. This being the case, it is : imperative that women with disabilities have the self confidence and skills necessary to get what they deserve and an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. Being a young teacher myself, I feel that an education can and does go a long way toward improving the lives of women with disabilities. It is important that we encourage young people with disabilities, especially women, to continue their education. Young women with disabilities should strive for bigger and better things for themselves and others. All youth are the future, including youth with disabilities.

Stephanie Pollock is the President of the National Educational Association of Disabled Students, a national consumer organization that encourages self empowerment of post secondary students with disabilities. NEADS strives to improve access for students with disabilities so they can have a post secondary education. For more information, contact the NEADS office, 4th Level Unicentre, Room 426, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6. Phone: (613)526-8008, Fax: (613) 520-3704, email: ca322@carleton.ca You con also call Stephanie Pollock at (506) 459-4273.



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