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Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that people without disabilities are somehow superior. I speak with Joshua Klien, a college student at UNLV who is disabled, about his experiences regarding Ableism and Disability awareness.
The Minority Serving Institution Student Council (MSISC) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas along with KUNV Radio are proud to present 'You Gon Listen', a twelve part podcast that aims to shine light on the issues and experiences that minority students and staff face at UNLV. The purpose of this series is to hear and learn directly from one another. We hope to create a dialogue about social issues and current events that shape our daily lives in order to make UNLV a better and more inclusive place.
0:00:00
Welcome to You Gon' Listen at 91.5 KUNV. I'm your host, Karen Jean-Charles, and I'm here with Joshua Klein, and we're talking about ableism and disability awareness. So some context on ableism. Ableism is a discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that people without disabilities are somehow superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require fixings and define people by their disability. Like racism and sexism, ableism classifies entire groups of people as less than and includes harmful stereotypes, misconceptions, and generalizations of people with disabilities. Disabled people face discrimination by the people and by the system. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people with disabilities working full-time can earn approximately $1,000 less per month than workers without disabilities. If a disabled person gets married, they can lose their SSI or Supplementary Security Income. If two people who are both on SSI marry each other, they will lose 25% of their income and 25% of their resource or savings limit. This is just one of many examples of ableism. So thank you for coming. I really appreciate it.
0:01:25
Not a problem. Thank you for having me.
0:01:28
Of course. Before we get started, can you please tell us who you are and what you do?
0:01:33
in my last year, meaning senior year, studying hospitality management. I'm also the president of the Rebel HD2, and I have my own show on Fridays called The Weekly Mix. It's probably going to be moved to Saturdays now. Saturdays are good. Yeah. Nice. So first question I have for you is how
0:02:04
does ableism affect you?
0:02:06
So I'm going to tell my story now. Sure. So when I was two years old, I was in a fatal car accident, where I lost my grandfather. And after that, my whole life, restarted, kind of. I had to learn how to talk, I had to learn how to eat, I had to learn how to do everything again. And ever since then, I've just been proving myself to people I come in contact with. Meaning, in high school, they told me I would never be able to get into normal college or any of that stuff. And here I am today, almost graduated from a top tier university and everything. So my main thing is just proving that people like me or me or anyone can do anything they put their mind to. What are some misconceptions people have about having a disability? That our brain doesn't function correctly. They just, I've been looked at like I just landed from Mars. Like, like, they have never seen a person in a wheelchair before. Right. What are your pet peeves when interacting with people without a disability? My biggest thing is that I don't mind being approached, just approach me as like, as a normal person, right. And I would be open and willing to talk to anyone who approaches me in a nice manner. And yeah.
0:04:00
So in public, are people like do they stare? Are they not nice to you?
0:04:05
Oh all the above. They stare. Actually I have three siblings that I just don't mind it anymore because it's normal to me but my three siblings when we always go out to eat or to the movies or anything. They always notice people staring and whatever. But I just don't care anymore because I know who I am. I know what I'm doing. Period. Yeah.
0:04:38
So, when I was reading up on this topic, there was something that came up a lot about children asking questions. A lot of people expressed that they didn't really mind that children ask questions about their disabilities, but they just didn't respect when parents pulled their children away and said, No, don't ask questions and stuff like that. Do you feel the same?
0:05:01
to me, because it is a story. And my big thing is I don't like people assuming that I was born this way, because I was not. And I believe my story could change people's point of view and how they interact with people in wheelchairs. What is a question that you wish people would stop asking you about your disability? So, originally when people approach me, they don't say hi. They just are like, what happened to you?
0:05:39
Like right off the bat?
0:05:41
Yeah, I'm like, I'm like, okay, is that kind of rude? Yeah. Is that really how you approach? You would approach like a normal person. And I just I just think like, easing into it is a better way. Whereas just walking up to someone and be like, what happened to you? And I don't even know you.
0:06:17
Right? They don't even ask your name first. Yeah. Yeah, people wouldn't usually walk up to someone and just ask for their personal story without even getting their name. Are there certain words or phrases that you wish people would stop using? Are there anything that people with disabilities just don't think about?
0:06:39
Honestly, to me there's no words that I do mind or don't. It's just how you approach me is the biggest thing that annoys me because if you don't approach me correctly to start it off, I'm just shut off right away. don't want to talk to and I go away from them and they just keep following me. Following you how? Meaning like, I'm like, they're like, oh, what happened to you? Like right away. So I'm like, okay, I'm not talking to you. Yeah. So I just go away from them and they're like trailing behind me, trying to ask me more questions. Right. And I tell them, if you want to talk to me,
0:07:19
do it the correct way.
0:07:20
Like, come up to me, introduce yourself, and let's ease into it. But don't just keep asking me questions if I go away from you. But going back to the word thing, for me, there's honestly no words that I mind or don't mind. Got you. Yeah. So how often does that happen, that people just or don't mind. Got you. Yeah. So how often does that happen that people just disrespect you in public like that? Oh, it happens all the time, like multiple times a week. But it's just, it's just something I have to deal with. What are some things that you do different differently because of your disability? Oh, everything. I can't drive myself like a normal person would. I've been approached actually recently that a company is interested in making a car that I could drive, meaning it would have all hand controls. So probably after I graduate, I'm going to pursue that. So I could be more independent. I also need help getting into bed every night, whereas a normal person would just be able to get into bed themselves. Honestly, my family is just there for me to ask if I need anything. Those are just the top two things that come to my mind right now. But honestly, being physically disabled or challenged is something I don't wish on anyone because it's really hard to deal with. There's another topic I was trying to research when people have, I've been talking about the disabilities, is people calling them an inspiration for their disabilities. Some people are like, don't call me an inspiration just because I have a disability. Some other people are just like, I don't I don't I don't really mind. I've actually had people come up to me and start crying before hi because I'm an inspiration to them nice and Honestly, yeah, honestly, I don't mind being an inspiration because if I could inspire someone maybe they could help me out someday or whatever else. Does it make you happy to be an inspiration? Or is it just like Yeah, probably. I mean, to the people that like I get to know and everything. Yeah. Once again, that's why I like people to come up to me and introduce themselves and we ease into the conversation because if I become an inspiration to you, I want to get to know you and stay in touch with you. So, yeah, I honestly don't mind being an inspiration.
0:11:00
Are there any problems within the disabled community that you want to address? Like how do some disabled people treat you differently when they're disabled themselves? Like, is there, is there problems within the disabled community?
0:11:19
My, my, honestly, my biggest thing is employment, giving people a fair shot. Yeah, because I have done a lot. Since I've been out here, I'm originally from New York, I moved out here and I got a job with Marriott. So if that doesn't say enough, I don't know what would. After I worked for Marriott, I got a job with Insomniac Events. And they do like EDC and everything. And I was a security supervisor with them for two years. So if Marriott and then that doesn't say enough, I don't know what would, because I've went on interviews out here where I just go in and they can't believe what they see. And I just think that's wrong, meaning like, oh, how is he going to even do this job? And when I had my accident, I had 100% impact concussion. my brain is like 90% recovered today. So the point is, if people have their brain and they're not applying for like a job they know they can't do, you should just give them a fair shot as like anyone with that isn't physically challenged because if they could do it, they have that story to tell for themselves. Yeah. How do you feel about the SSI thing I mentioned before? So, I could tell you right now, the process is really hard to get it. I honestly can't even get Medicare or Medicaid. I'm honestly just on my parents' insurance right now because they're just auditing everyone and I applied for it, I want to say three times now, and been declined every time. And they want me to go like meet with them at their office and do this and that. And I just don't have time right now being a full time student and trying to finish my degree. And that's ableist within itself. They want you to go all the way over there. Yeah, yeah, honestly, it was never like that before. But I guess now, people that could get a job and could get insurance fairly are trying to get Medicare or Medicaid. How do you feel about that? Honestly, I, I don't think it's right. Because I go out there trying to get a job, trying to do everything, and I believe that anyone could go out there and go get a job and move up the ranks in a job and get insurance fairly. So I believe it's kind of unfair where people that actually need the insurance and SSI and everything. Can't get it right now because of these people. So makes me kind of mad and frustrated sometimes. Yeah. Is there anything you would change within like the government if you had just like ultimate power to change anything in the government to help people with disabilities? What would you change? Going back to employment, I would make more laws to make it illegal to automatically turn someone away in an interview because, or not even interview them at all. Because I've had that before, where I've had an interview and because of that I'm in a wheelchair, they don't want to interview me. So I just think that's wrong. Like, something I would do is I would make a hotline where you could call in and report these companies.
0:16:14
Yeah, absolutely.
0:16:15
Because there's always, you could always sue them for discrimination, but that's gonna take months and years to do. So a hotline would just get the ball rolling. Yeah, and get to like You reported and get it down on paper so that if you do if the time comes and you do want to sue them that These people could be a asset to you because you reported it to them, right? especially these big companies that don't seek, like they don't have any repercussions for the actions because they're so big. They have lawyers, they have money,
0:16:48
and it's really hard for people on the bottom to persist against the people on the top. Yeah, I think that's really important. If you don't mind, I'll actually tell a story right now, recently, what happened to me.
0:17:00
So I interviewed with Wahlburgers, the burger chain. There's one by Bally's in the bazaar shops in the shopping center right across the street. And I had an interview with them for I couldn't remember the position. I think it was something in management, I think. And I go up and the hostess is like addressing me all unprofessionally like, oh, what are you here for? She doesn't even say hello or anything like the way you're supposed to address someone. So I'm like, oh, I'm here for an interview. My interview's at 12 noon. I'm here at 1130 because I just wanted to find the location and all this other stuff. So she's like, okay, I'm going to go back to the manager and tell him you're here. And she's in there with the manager 10-15 minutes. And that right then and there, that made me think something's not right. Because usually, if you go back to tell your manager that someone's here for an interview, you're in and out. Yeah. So she comes back out to me and she's like, oh, he says he doesn't have time for you today. What? And I'm like, I'm here early, dressed in a suit and everything. And I'm like, that's not right. And she says to me, Oh, he's gonna call you back. I've I've been through that before. Right? They never call back. Yeah. So I start getting frustrated and everything and she's like, Oh, you have to get out of here. And everything and I'm like, I'm like, I'm like, No, I'm this is is unfair and everything. And she actually calls the shopping center security on me because I wouldn't leave. And they come and they're like, oh, you have to leave. We're going to call Metro and everything. So I'm like, OK, call Metro. I'll tell them how I was treated unfairly here. And I just left because I knew these people were not even understanding what I was telling them. And I tried calling corporate and corporate sent me in this big runaround. So I'm just gonna compile a list and do a class action lawsuit at some time. Yeah. Because it's wrong. Which companies would be on that list? Oh, them, this other company, StaffPro. And they do like ushering services for concert venues. and that's about it for right now. But there's some companies that do care about giving people with disabilities a shot. And I really commend those companies. Which companies are those? MGM's a big one. I've actually got a job with MGM recently as a pool host. I completed my orientation recently. Thank you. They treated me like a fair person. I really like that about a company. Also, Caesars. I've interviewed with them multiple times. I've worked with them last year and it was a seasonal position so that's why I'm not with them anymore but they treated me really fairly. So I feel, I don't know what it's with like with all these other big companies that don't because they're like the same size as MGM or these other companies.
0:21:41
It's definitely a choice that they consciously make to not be inclusive. And I think that's really dangerous. Yeah, definitely.
0:21:49
Because it could definitely cost the company because these lawsuits could get a... Yeah, they can go national, people can get involved, share their stories, and then it can take down a whole company.
0:22:09
Yeah.
0:22:10
So, hopefully that happens when you file your class action lawsuit. I'm waiting for the news.
0:22:14
Hopefully. Yeah, hopefully.
0:22:16
You can use this as evidence or something, I don't know. So, with coronavirus happening, we've known that there's a lot of long-term effects on the body. People lose their taste of smell. Some people have very limited lung capacity. Some people have lost the ability to walk long distances and up the stairs without mobility aids. I know you're not a representative for all people with disabilities, but as the cases climb and a new strain of COVID is here, is there anything you'd like to say to people who are now having disabilities for the first time. Is there any advice?
0:22:51
Just stay up. Don't... I've been dealing with my situation for a while. Just stay up. Just keep your hopes up. Continue to wear the mask, of course. And just, yeah, just stay up. What advice do you wish that you could tell yourself, your younger self today? To not listen to those people that try to degrade me, because I've listened to those I unfortunately fell in the trap when I was younger in believing these people and other things and now I remember some of those stories where some of my teachers were like, oh, you can't do this, you can't do that. graduating, going to be graduating a top tier school. Nice. So it's like, don't, like, don't degrade people. Because you don't know what they want to achieve, what they can achieve. What they've been through. What they could do when they actually put their mind to something. Yeah, for sure. Is there anything that UNLV can do to make UNLV more inclusive for people with disabilities? Honestly, I think the Disability Resource Center does a lot for people with disabilities. I honestly wish my high school had something like the Disability Resource Center. Because if all they need is the proper paperwork to prove you say what you have, and then after that, they work, they really work with you to get the services that you need and that they believe you need. I really think the DRC has made the college experience a successful one for me by providing that me with what they think I need and what I need from them. For sure. So, yeah. So, do you have anything you want to shout out, your social medias, any projects going on? Yeah, my social media is Josh Klein, J-O-S-H-K-L-E-I-N, but other than that, just anyone listening with a disability, just stay up, don't let people degrade you, you could achieve whatever you put your mind to. And yeah, that's it.
0:26:09
Thank you for having me.
0:26:11
No problem. Thank you for coming. And I also want to thank the audience for listening to You Gon' Listen with your host, me, Karen Jean Charles, and I'll see you on the next episode. Peace.
0:26:23
In that Florida water, pour my drink Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip, sip
0:26:35
Gotta pour my drink on me
0:26:38
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip Brown liquor, brown sugar, brown face Brown liquor, brown sugar, brown face Brown liquor
Transcribed with Cockatoo