May 7: National Barrier Day

National Barrier Day is to recognize the barriers people with disabilities face.

I have a degree in Elementary Education. I want to work with kids with special needs.

I have a speech impediment that people often think is an accent.


It's not an accent.

It's definitely not a British accent.

Don't ask me where I come from and get annoyed when I say Oregon.

 "But where do you originate from?"

Oregon.

I "originate" from Oregon. If that's even a thing.

Don't think that since I sometimes can't pronounce something, I can't hear. Don't speak louder to me.

Don't think that because I have problems pronouncing some sounds, that it makes me stupid.


I graduated high school with over a 4.0 GPA.

I graduated college Magna Cum Laude.

So please don't assume anything about anyone.

I have to give a shout out to the Walt Disney Company. When I worked for Disneyland, I was buying one of my numerous souvenirs, and realized the cashier was Deaf. Since I know and love sign language, I signed to him. We had a beautiful conversation. He had worked as a cashier at Disneyland for 7 years. That fact made me proud to work for this company. They have a lady in the Aladdin show who is in a wheelchair. I've seen cast members who have cerebral palsy. The Walt Disney Company is a prime example of a company that doesn't pay attention to so called "disabilities."

They are helping people pass these barriers.

That's what is important.