Do you know the number of unemployed people that are deaf or have a disability? Their employment rate is much lower than “normal” citizens of the United States. In 2017, only 53.3% of deaf people were employed, while 75.85% of hearing people had jobs. The unemployment rates of those who are deaf are 3.5%, however, those who can hear are 3.4%. Even though the difference of these statistics may not seem like much, it is significant to those searching for jobs and employment. Even though data shows the small increase of employment rates, it is not enough to make a difference. Therefore, it is necessary for communities not to neglect those who have a small disability. As we learn and understand the hardships that deaf people go through, we should try to help them, especially with employment.
An example of the community helping out others is a pizzeria in San Francisco. Mozzeria was opened by a deaf couple, Melody and Russel Stein. The pizzeria called Mozzeria, is fully deaf-owned and operated. It is a mobile truck operation that is located on 16th street in San Francisco. They wanted to change the stereotype that just because a person cannot hear, they are incapable of holding jobs requiring a lot of work.
Christopher Soukup, the chief executive of the Communication Service for the Deaf, says many deaf people go through hardships in the workplace that disrupt their careers. This pizzeria is a great way to inform our community of how people with slight disabilities are capable of working and having jobs. “Mozzeria may be run by people who are deaf, but it caters to pizza fans of all kinds, hearing and not,” says The Washington Post. Customers communicate with the waiters by writing their orders on paper or sign language. This pizzeria is a great way to employ more people in the US that have some sort of a disability.
It is crucial to put in effort in increasing employment rates for those with hearing disabilities. Despite the fixed opinions of the public, deaf people can have responsibilities and can fully adapt to various situations. Disabled people should not have to be hurt by people’s opinions.
In the future, we should continue to open shops like Mozzeria that benefit deaf people and help them overcome stereotypes. Kenneth Lee, a former student from Third Street Elementary School says, “I think society tends to disrespect people with disabilities. However, just because a person cannot talk or hear does not mean they can’t function.” Therefore, we all should put in effort to get rid of stereotypes and opinions that may harm people with disabilities.
Rachel Lee, Grade 10
The Science Academy
