From Work to Opportunity
By Shanti Nair
Bridges Conference Reporters Shanti Nair (center), Erica Villafane (left) and Marie Guma-Diaz (right). |
When I heard that Proyecto Vision has hired reporters with disabilities, I was ecstatic and hoped to be chosen to cover the conference on “Bridges to Employment for Latinos with Disabilities.” It was a pleasant surprise to know that I got the job. On the first day, I “rolled” into the doors of the Radisson Hotel in Miami, little realizing that I was soon to have some of the greatest experiences of my life. Powerful networking was the mainstay of the conference. I was involved as a reporter, and left with a plethora of contacts that gave me job opportunities that I never knew existed.
Moreover, I was enthralled at how each individual overcame limitations and struggles in their lives. Looking at individuals with disabilities one could never imagine the complexities that contributed to their holistic growth. Words like “struggle” and “hardship” were translated into possibility and abilities. Nothing seemed difficult to them; one felt a positive atmosphere all through the conference. The greatest inspiration to me was that, despite their disabilities, people perceived themselves as victors rather than victims. They chose to be “differently-abled” instead of being considered disabled. A lesson well learned was that all one needs is the determination and the mindset to look beyond a disability. In my opinion, a common belief was that “the sky is the limit” in achieving one’s goals. I am sure I speak for all the participants when I say that we need to continue having these empowering conferences that open up the path to the disabled world.
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