The disabled are often a forgotten population segment. Sen. Richard Durbin came to Illinois Wesleyan University on Aug. 12 and delivered a wonderful speech on disabilities and employment.

Sen. Durbin reminded community leaders that those with disabilities are the largest minority group in the country. With growing diagnosis, autism awareness and returning wounded warriors, the numbers are increasing. Yet the percentage of the disabled employed is shrinking.

Sen. Durbin reminded his audience that people with disabilities make very loyal employees, committed to their task and that the average cost of workplace adaptation is less than $350 per worker. On average, people with disabilities take off fewer days from work, all according to a recent Illinois-based DePaul University study.

Marcfirst and Country Financial shared a unique internship model they are using to give disabled individuals and employers an opportunity to try jobs. Illinois' Rehabilitation Services shared the tax credits and other subsidies available to employers willing to work with the disabled.

Disabled is probably not the right word. We are all "differently abled." Yet because of stereotypes this population is often ignored and their productivity and job loyalty often under-rated.

Sen. Durbin ended his speech with a long list of autistic individuals whose contributions - from computer science to physics to economics - have changed our world.

Thank you, Sen. Durbin, for your concern and shining the spotlight on this issue. And thank you, President Richard Wilson and IWU, for your leadership and hospitality to open the door for community discussion and response.

Mike Matejka

Bloomington