An overlooked minority: Iowans with disabilities

There is one minority in our community that is most likely to be unemployed, living in poverty, lacking adequate health care and is having difficulty in finding housing, transportation and the essentials of daily life. This minority comprises 20 percent of our population and includes people of all races, religions, levels of education, gender, creeds, national origin and sexual orientation. This minority also faces difficulty in voting in our democracy.

This minority group is comprised of people with disabilities.

There are many misconceptions, stereotypes and myths about people with disabilities. The only way to inform the public is to raise awareness about people with disabilities and the challenges we face. We also need to raise awareness about how much we contribute to the well-being and diversity of the community.

Senator Tom Harkin has done more for people with disabilities than any other U.S. senator. We are proud of his advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. Our goal is to secure all of the blessings of being proud U.S. citizens.