... about the way those with disabilities are being treated.
Except I know that if disabled people went out and protested they'd get comments such as, "well, if they can go to a protest, then they can work".
But then who will speak out? I don't trust this government to know what they are doing, let's face it, going by this
article here about the new medical checks
"Ministers propose to end the automatic right to disability living allowance"
What automatic right??
And if you think the article is biased, try reading the consultation.
They want to rename Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payment (no idea why).
Successful use of aids and adaptations can increase an individual?s ability to lead a full, active and independent life. We believe that Personal Independence Payment should take greater account of aids and adaptations
I can't help thinking this means less money if you have certain aids, even though disability still incurs extra costs.
For example, as part of the administration of the benefit we could signpost individuals to other support
So, same as the above? "If we refer you to such place, then you can't claim, as we are technically supporting you"
Bearing in mind for these last two we are talking about DLA - this is not an easy to get benefit. It is not just handed to you, you will not be minorly ill and receive it.
For example, many people incorrectly believe that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is an income-replacement benefit for people who are unable to work due to disability
Yes, including this government. Maybe they should worry about what they actually know about something before trying to change it.
The new Universal Credit ? which will replace a range of existing benefits with a single income-replacement payment ? will finally ensure that people are always better off in work. The new Work Programme will start in the spring, and we have already launched Work Choice to provide personalised support to help disabled people make the transition into sustainable employment
Ah yes, because so many employers want disabled staff. And given a choice between somebody able bodied and someone who may need adaptions, lots of time off, possibly higher insurance, and is more likely to need sick days/to leave work early, who do you reckon will get chosen?
Adapting for a wheelchair user is one thing, adapting for an erratic illness (eg. epilepsy) or a mental health issue is something else entirely.
It's all well and good saying that people should be able to work, but it needs to be realistic.
Evidence suggests that DLA can also act as a barrier to work
Oh look, in the same document where they say DLA is not an "income-replacement benefit for people who are unable to work", they then say it is a disincentive to work! It's not a huge amount of money to begin with, and is awarded to those who work as well!! How the hell is it a barrier to work?
I'm not even on DLA, but I'm now worried for those who are reliant on it. I'm also worried about what is in the future for ESA, and the medical tests for that.
Somehow I doubt that things like this will make the news like the student protests. :(