One step forward

Sometimes it seems that people with disabilities are almost shadows in our society. We hear about them, see them on TV or read about them in various publications, but rarely do we actually see them. Fortunately, I think that may be starting to change.

Due to advances in technology, people with disabilities will most likely have more opportunities to integrate themselves easily into society. Globalization and an increase in the value of technical proficiency mean moving from physical skills to mental ones. As long as the right tools are in place, people with physical disabilities will be able to compete in the job market.

Take T.V. Raman, for instance. Blind since he was 14, he's been working for Google developing new tools for visually impaired users that will make them more marketable and able to enjoy the fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyle of the 21st century.

On a similar note, visually disabled men and women are also currently working in the Georgia State Capitol, manning all of the refreshment rooms without a hitch. As long as you tell your cashier which president is on the bill you hand him, you're in and out with a cup of fresh coffee in mere minutes.

I think it'll be interesting to see the ways that technology will provide for people in the future. No matter your visual or hearing capabilities, your physical limits, your mental capacity, your health, your location, your age, your gender, your race - it's my hope that all people will be able to provide for themselves if they wish to do so.