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What does a disability mean? Maybe more important, what does it *not* mean. It does *not* mean that the person has no ability. It only means that he lacks some ability most of us have. Maybe his body doesn't function as well as average, or maybe it's a mental problem. In any case, nearly all people with severe disabilities also have some abilities, often great abilities. Why not use those abilities?

I think of a brain-damaged family friend. He is so seriously handicapped that he is in an electric wheelchair which he controls with the one hand that sort of works. He also cannot speak clearly. However there is nothing wrong with the thinking part of his brain - he is smart. He works as a web site developer and does it quite well.

I also remember a sometime employee my father had on his dairy farm. His handicap was mental, he couldn't think or reason normally and judgment was lacking. He could not be trusted with machinery, nor could he handle the animals except under supervision. However he could follow instructions. He would feed the animals and do other needed but uncomplicated work around the farm.

Both of the above described people are able to do enough work to justify their pay. Furthermore, doing something useful helps them feel good about themselves and relieves the taxpayers of a burden.

Not every handicapped person can do useful work but most can. Those who can are often great employees, the appreciate the effort and often are more reliable than "normal" employees who may be distracted by other interests.

As for hiring illegal aliens, well the term says it all. That is illegal. It risks not only an INS raid but bad publicity for your company. There are better options such as the handicapped or paying enough to attract legal workers. Just don't do it.

Learn more about this author, Hal Lillywhite.
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