Systems Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Sunday Goshit, had a discussion with Ed Esbeck on various thoughts regarding what it is like to be a person originally from Africa and to live with a disability. Ed works for the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities where he helps people with disabilities understand their rights so they can advocate for themselves. He is also an inspirational speaker and goes to local businesses to talk about these topics.
“When you have a disability, it is not something that you think about it being included with diversity. On the one part is disability and on the other part is your culture value as well as your contribution to the
community. A big chunk of this is being able to provide the space and opportunity for our values to come alive among African Americans like me. Especially if you come from a different country and you have to build your way up. Sometimes it is going to take a lot of support, a lot of energy, a lot of different experiences and a lot of cultural values.”
Systems Unlimited is currently on various community groups to help advocate for people living with disabilities to be included in diversity plans and ensure accessibility to the wider community. DEI work groups do not always remember to include people from the community living with a disability. Representation from the disability community in various groups matter and advocates like Ed are making a difference.
When considering the fight that people living with disabilities have had to be included, Ed thinks of Judith Heumann. “(Judith) fought as an activist for people with disability in this country. I tell myself, I want to be in that community she has fought to create, that community where I am safer, where nobody can discriminate against me. If you are given an opportunity and you can make a difference, take it.”
Ed currently receives services through our Supported Living division where he lives in a house with two other people. Systems staff are there to provide support to Ed when needed. Since he moved in with SUI in 2019, his goal has been to move into his own apartment and he is close to achieving that goal.
Ed used to be served by Employment Systems but very quickly fired his job coach when they were no longer needed. “When we are looking at DEI, we want to encourage people to look at themselves and say this is who I am and say this is what I want to be. Many people with disabilities are underestimated, and because they are underestimated, they are not valued in employment. Mainly, it is because of the system in general.”
Systems appreciates all of Ed’s advocacy and education he provides. He is a true guide to the Systems Unlimited DEI initiative and the goals that we want to achieve.
