Why No One Will Hire Me

For the past year, the routine hasn't varied. The names, faces and employers change, but the result is the same. I do not get hired.

I realize that active prejudice is probably not in play in these situations. Human nature is. Think of it: If you're a company looking at your bottom line and you're faced with two candidates of equal skills -- one has a disability and one does not, whom would you choose?

This is just my story. But most people with disabilities who are able and willing to work have similar tales. It's not fair, but that's the way it is.

I suppose we disabled people can always work at Wal-Mart, giving out happy-face stickers for minimum-wage pay, but most of us are capable of doing better than that. I only wish the working world would give us a chance to prove it.

-- Chuck Jones

New Market, Md.

cjnewmarket@aol.com