what qualifies you as being disabled?

cadenza82

I think this is a very interesting question.

My visual problems mean that there are certain things I find difficult which someone with 'normal' vision (even those whose vision is corrected with glasses etc.) wouldn't. Some people might say that's my lot and I ought to get on with it.

The trouble is that it does affect certain aspects of my life. I don't consider myself disabled because of it, but I probably do consider myself at a disadvantage.

For example, the DVLA revoked my driving licence on medical grounds. With a car, the cost of travelling is the same all the time. When travelling by train, we are all too aware that peak time fares are extremely expensive. Whilst I could have jumped in the car to go somewhere in the rush hour, I couldn't necessarily afford to do that on public transport.

I'm not after lots of discounts and special treatment, but something like this is a good example of how everyday life is affected. It is all too easy for it to have a knock-on effect on other things like work. It means that I'm not able to do what a lot of others take for granted. I can live with that, but it doesn't make it easier.

Certainly in my case, people just don't understand (and generally don't want to understand) the problems I encounted. Everything is taken for granted so much these days. I can make a laugh and joke of the fact that I can't see the number of the bus until it's just about gone past, but the reality is that actually makes catching a bus very difficult. It sounds silly to most people, but then most people have never had to face such a situation.

I can see why 'disabled' people often end up in the situations they do. I run my own business and am about to complete a masters degree, but it doesn't mean that life isn't affected by the visual problems I have. Some things I can adapt to, and some I can't. It's easy to feel as if no one really cares, and this is especially so when your 'disability' is unseen by people.

Some of the implication has been the disabled people are always after cheap services, free products, and good discounts. For many, I don't think that's the case at all. Many are simply after understanding and assistance, and this doesn't always come in monetary terms.

David

nannytone_2

to be honest, i hadnt thought if it like that, probably as ive never been able to drive as my eyesight was too poor to begin with. its a valid point (i'm lucky as my husband is a train driver, so we get free train passes)
i totally get the problem with buses, i gave up using them on my own a while back as i could regularly let 3 or 4 busus go without realising i should have got on them lol. its ok if theres a queue as it gives you time to 'find' the number.
my bug bear is shops putting displays everywhere, especially around xmas. if theyre chest height or above theres a pretty good chance i'll see it, but these stupid basket type ones that are hip height seem to call my name (obviously i oblige by walking into them)
i have a 'show stick' but it seems to annoy people, as i am obviously (trying) to look where i'm going and people seem to assume im a fraud.

ok whinge over lol
you can always find someone worse off if you look (excuse the pun lol)

Savvy_Sue

My grandad used to just hail all the buses and then ask the driver what number they were.

idvi

i try not to identify myself as 'disabled' (ie i wouldnt tell someone i'm disabled)

i only am for 'legal purposes' like disability discrimination act and benefits

same thing with someone nearing a hearing aid i guess.. they arent going to tell people 'oh im disabled' but they should be covered by discrimination laws etc!

cyclonebri1

krisskross wrote: »

As far as some people are concerned anything less than the perfect body in all it's functions and you are 'disabled'. Must be the most abused word in the English language.

I have a painful ingrowing toenail and the pain makes me limp a bit. Does this make me disabled?

We need far more sensible people like yourself around. I have never understood the wish to declare oneself disabled. Think with a lot of people it is £££ signs.

Well thats a cracker:T:T. People wishing to be or declare themselves disabled. :rotfl: Did it ever occour to you that no disabled person ever had a choice in the matter?

Yes of course you are right, the scroungers will always surface but you cannot forget that the vast majority are very unfortunate.

I will give you an example of why a person may wish to declare themselves disabled (for the correct reasons).

In the workplace. In todays so called high efficiency environment anyone who is less than 100% is singled out as being less effective than someone that isn't. The DD act was brought in to protect such people from discrimination due to conditions beyond their control. They have to have the fact that they have disability issue on record to protect themselves. Nothing to do with £ £ £s in this case.:mad:

cadenza82

In the workplace. In todays so called high efficiency environment anyone who is less than 100% is singled out as being less effective than someone that isn't. The DD act was brought in to protect such people from discrimination due to conditions beyond their control. They have to have the fact that they have disability issue on record to protect themselves. Nothing to do with £ £ £s in this case.:mad:

Sadly, this is absolutely true. The sad thing is that often, the adjustments that need to be made in order that disabled employees can be just as efficient as any other employee, are very small.

Someone mentioned that maybe disabled are offered discounts because they have a higher expenditure. I'd never have thought of it like that, but in fact, this is often true. The example I cited above of the peak rail fares is a good one - where before I was able to dash off to things in London first thing by car, I can no longer do that unless I'm prepared to cough up £60-£70+ for a rail ticket. That sort of amount is beyond my means, so I just have to accept that I won't be able to do that anymore.

I wonder whether sometimes, people take things so for granted, that they can never imagine not being able to do them. I'm sure that if they found themselves unable to easily do these 'everyday' things, they'd be making the same points that some of us are.

spugzbunny

Woops sorry! I genuinly am interested in the matter from my own point of view so to speak. I must just clarify that I do agree that the discounts, benefits indeed any assistance be it monetary or not exist for absolutely justifiable reasons and should be used by those in need. It is absolutely a necessity and we would be in a sorry state if people were just expected to get on with 'their lot' as someone put it without any assistance! What I'm saying is - do I personally need it?

What I find interesting is at what point do I draw the line for my needs? I will be applying for a disabled persons railcard on the basis that train fare is bloody expensive and I'd usually get a 'great western' railcard anyway! I certainly don't need it for reasons of disability but I don't feel any moral concern in getting it 'just because I can.'

Sorry I feel really bad about starting an arguement - I guess I just needed to get my thoughts out because it's been something that's been playing on my mind recently. I love freebies as I said but I don't feel right accepting discounts that I may be eligible for when I know I personally don't need them and I may indeed be taking that facility away from someone who does. I would be making a mockery of the goodwill of companies and the system in place for those people who need it.

That is where I draw the line for me personally though I think. I don't really need any other support outside of what the NHS and my occupation health dept can provide. I use the t-loop facilities when available and I am grateful for them but I don't think I personally require a discount on top of that. I don't need a carer, I don't have an effect on my income/outgoings so personally I don't feel I am deserved of a discount and indeed I don't feel I am the person who the discounts would be intended for.

SingleSue

I am also not sure of the real definition although I think some of it is down to the perception of the person involved.

I suppose some would say I am disabled because of my arthritis but I honestly don't see myself that way...now is that just me not wanting to accept I have a disability or because I am not actually disabled?

My eldest son says he is not disabled although strictly speaking, he does have a disability (HEDS) which limits what he can do in some areas (but makes him able to do more in others!) and of course, he has pain and dislocations on a regular basis...again, is that him not wanting to come to terms with the fact or that he hasn't?

It's an awkward one that is for sure....

cadenza82

I'm sure that many people don't want to be labelled as 'disabled' because of the attitudes which go with that - clearly displayed here once again. There seems to be this attitude in society that if you're disabled, you're out for money, benefits and sympathy. That simply isn't true.

spugzbunny

dcmbarton wrote: »

I'm sure that many people don't want to be labelled as 'disabled' because of the attitudes which go with that - clearly displayed here once again. There seems to be this attitude in society that if you're disabled, you're out for money, benefits and sympathy. That simply isn't true.

Personally I don't feel that I would be any different should I be labelled as disabled. My hearing is an unknown entity at the moment and I have to acknowledge the point that I may be deaf in one ear one day. As the great song says 'I am what I am' and a label isn't going to change that.

I also do not feel that people are out for money, benefits or sympathy. I'm very surpised other people feel that they are. I would imagine the overwhelming opinion is one of confusion and sympathy.

At the end of the day nobody can judge on an internet forum what people are in need of or how their everyday life is effected due to their disability - whatever that may be.