to mention "HARDEST HIT" disability demo in London today. (Wed)

[ScousyFogarty]

HARDEST HIT demo or lobby at Parliament today (wed 11th) supported by
all the relevant charities I am told.

I was suprised it was not mentioned on the early news.

I think it is reasonable to assume disabled people will be HARDEST HIT by welfare reforms. They are right to fight back

Disability is not "very sexy" in news terms so it may not get the publicity
it deserves.

I gather they intend lobbying MPs and parliament. If I lived down South; I would have gone as an observer.

Good luck to them anyway. Anybody making the trip to parliament?

I would like to know what radio stations or TV are publicising it....

Good post Bristolian. We did try to get MN to campaign for a no to the DLA abolition, not sure where that is at, the problem is, as always, not enough people are interested. It seems if it hasn't happened to you or a loved one it just doesn't compute on awareness. That is the problem with trying to fight it too - the voices of those affected are often too weak through exhaustion and illness and disability. It's a vicious circle.

I'm sickened that things are going this way. What happened to this country being civilised, in looking after its weakest citizens?

Minty :( I'm so sorry for your situation regarding work. I can't get ESA either as I have been ill too long and not payed stamp, have been looking after 2 young dcs though, doesn't seem to count My dh works too many hours for me to qualify, despite the fact that his salary is low. I do get DLA but for how much longer, even though it is an indefinite award, when ATOS get to me they will no doubt take one look and say 'oh, you are obviously fit for work.'

Come on MNers. We need your support. We need some voices here.

madhairday - it's not too bad, could always be worse I suppose. my main fear is losing a second job due to ill health - then I'll be royally screwed but I'll cross that bridge when it comes to it - right now I'm applying for about 30 jobs a week and hoping for the best!

I am horrified by how few people seem to care. I had a grand total of two mates on facebook (aside from those who also have a disability) bother to like, or express any interest in my statuses over fibro awareness day on Thurs and on Weds, actually both were on weds about the hardest hit march. Both of them are very left wing and quite politically active, i.e. posting loads of stories the mainstream media doesn't publish etc. And neither of them are close friends, I haven't seen either of them since 2009.

All I can do is hope I find some kind of job soon, came in the final two for one job last week so hopefully I won't have to wait too long.

good luck, Mintymoo.

Thanks

I just have to remember NOT to do a happy dance on my hypermobile joints if I do get a job. Don't want to do myself a mischief before I even start!

I guess that is why the government thinks we are a good target for cutting to fund the deficit reduction- no one cares so it won't affect their popularity or future elections. We don't even have a way to escape the effects- we can't readily move abroad like the rich or if there are jobs get a job. In my case if I am forced into work because my kids lose their disability benefits and I get counted as an ordinary unemployed single mum I would have to give my kids to social services and let the state bring them up in the failing Care Sytem- that is failing 'normal' kids let alone those with the likes of Autism, Aspergers, ADHD and Global Developmental Delay like my kids. My twins have good brains and with the right support could become the astronomer and paelo-artist they want to be but not brought up in care- they would be just future benefit claimants trying for jobs they are unlikely to cope with and they wouldn't see the point of doing that so would tantrum when they are threatened with their money being stopped for no applying for jobs they wouldn't be able to do which would only get them in more trouble as it would be seen as being threatening or aggressive probably. My oldest could become so distressed he would become suicidal as he is easily hurt anyway- he's a big softie with a lovely helpful nature but his immaturity that comes with Global Developmental Delay does attract bullying but he has trouble speaking up about it. He's also the one most affected by the abuse by their dad when they were younger- which he has had counselling from CAMHS for.

I think you've hit the nail on the head, no-one cares except those directly affected to it won't harm popularity and future elections. Depressing really.

I've been told that because I have a disability I must be prepared to work for free for a company before they'll offer me a job. It sickens me, why should I have to do more to get a job than an equally qualified non disabled person just because I have a disability??

It pisses me off on two levels;

• firstly it assumes I might not be capable and therefore need a trial
• it implies I suffer from a lack of intelligence - I'm only applying for jobs I'm suitable for! If a job advert says 'it is essential to hold a full UK driving licence' I don't apply because I can't drive! I'm not applying for physically demanding jobs because I know I can't do them.

Why assume that I don't know my own capabilities and limitations? Pisses me right off.

aspie and minty this govt goes for soft targets like the disabled...they tried the bankers got nowhere, They are thinking about rich tax evaders/avoiders getting nowhere, So they attack soft targets like the disabled