Kathy Martinez, Proyecto Visión Project Director and recently-appointed Executive Director of the World Institute on Disability, welcomed old friends and new to the 2006 Bridges to Employment Conference in San Antonio, where Latinos from around the country converged for three days of workshops, networking, and information on best practices on employment at the beginning of June.

Latinos with disabilities, says Martinez, often feel the pain of isolation. We may be the only person with a disability in our family, and we're born into a culture that overprotects us. "Our families feel shame, and as a consequence, so do we," she says. "Not until we become part of the disability rights movement does our pride overpower our sense of shame."

The concept of "independent living", acknowledges Martinez, takes some redefining when considered in the context of Latino culture. Because Latinos don't automatically move out when they turn 18, and because they feel a strong sense of responsibility to their families, the notion of independent living as moving away from the family and living alone doesn't necessarily fit with the reality of the Latino experience.

"We need to look to employment and economic empowerment," says Martinez. "These are the key to Latino independence."

Poverty, she says, is both a cause and a result of disability in the Latino culture, compounded by the fact that most Latinos are not accustomed to social services and not accustomed to seeking help outside the family structure.

Patricia Dold, the Bilingual Public Relations Manager for the Epilepsy Foundation, a conference co-sponsor, agreed with Martinez. According to Dold, 2.7 million people in the U.S. have epilepsy, over 400,000 of them Latinos. Her job, she says, involves creating awareness in the Latino community that epilepsy is not a result of possession by demons or payback for some sin committed by the parents, but a treatable disability that Latinos can live and work with.

Colin Petheram, the Director of Regulatory and Constituency Relations for AT&T, said that inclusion in the work force for Latinos with disabilities is critical on many fronts—economic independence, self-esteem, socializing and learning from coworkers among them. AT&T, said Petheram, recognizes the value in a diverse workforce, which can be both an asset and a competitive advantage for companies who take advantage of creating such a force.

Pat Pound, the Executive Director of Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. Pound has also served on the National Council on Disability since 1997. She encouraged attendees to learn about their state's governor's committee, as each one is different. "There is a tremendous resource in this room," she said. "Grow in knowledge."

Workshops, networking opportunities and social events allowed individuals with disabilities, their families, service providers and government agencies to share their knowledge, learn from each other, and take away information on best practices that can be implemented in their communities.

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