Labor Day

It was a beautiful Labor day for a peaceful trail walk for the first time in awhile. Zoe was so happy to be working and did an amazing job with bridges, roots and branches. Her work truly is a labor of love and I am grateful everyday that I have the best essential worker working for me.

A slightly different Labor Day post this year. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity not only to work but also to celebrate the vital work of our essential workers. As a transplant patient, these workers have kept me safe at doctors and hospital visits, they have brought me groceries and delivered medicine. Thank you to all the essential workers who are so diligent and mindful of others livelihoods.

PD: Zoe and I sit on a trail at a park. We are both looking at the camera. She has a huge smile on her face-showing how happy she is to be working again—even though it’s Labor Day. I have on a red cap from road cycling nationals last year, sunglasses, and a mask. There are lots of green trees in the background.

Having an opportunity to work is not something that everyone has, and unfortunately, more people are realizing that as there is over an 11.5 million job deficit since the start of the pandemic. Even before the pandemic, the unemployment rates for blind Americans was over 60% when comparing equivalent education and experience. Hiring and job recovery for marginalized persons remains slow.

Check out this chart to see how other groups job loss compares during the pandemic. (I don’t think there are similar stats on blind Americans yet, but this chart is revealing).

Many people, especially marginalized populations, have urgent needs, and the pandemic is giving us an opportunity for innovative reform. I am hopeful next year we will have more jobs, more equitable hiring, more equitable wages, and better benefits. Vote. Vote. Vote.

#ZoesPack#LaborofLove#LaborDay#Hope#Vote2020