What happens when the disabled suffer because of man’s ignorance?
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The human race is built to thrive on the idea that anything is possible—that whatever one has to offer the world is enough, and who they are is enough. Mothers and fathers instill that concept in their children by way of love, compassion and example. Grandparents pass that lesson on to their grandchildren. The next generation then passes it on to their children.
The message of self-worth is often spread until it creates a domino effect. When those who have planted its seed feel it has grown enough in you to shine through, you either blaze a trail or let the fire of desire burn out. These trails can be big or small, loud or quiet. They determine whether you’ll pick yourself up when you get knocked down—and whether you’ll fight when you’re denied something you know you know you have a right to.
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Many individuals from around the world join a growing demographic that face this kind of scrutiny—and therefore challenge the social justice system. Sadly enough, however, those with disabilities often find themselves in that group without a second thought from people who label them. In fact, much of this often stems from the denial of basic human rights and needs—just because someone has a disability. The story of Denise Haddon is no exception.
According to DailyMail.com, the 50-year-old social worker, who has a condition known as Bilateral Femoral Focal Dysplasia, recently lost her disability benefits—along with her specially-adapted vehicle—because the federal government has deemed her “not disabled enough”.
Haddon’s condition has prevented her physical growth and triggers pain in the lower part of her body—including her hips, legs, feet and ankles. The report from DailyMail, published in late December, stated that Haddon received a letter in the mail, notifying her of the government’s new Personal Independent Payment system—which is designed to cover extra, unforeseen costs coincidentally brought on by one’s disability. The new system reportedly ensures individuals aged 16 to 64 and is being ushered in to replace the current plan, whose details aren’t outlined in the article.
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“When I first saw the letter, I cried my eyes out,” Haddon said.
The change not only means she has lost government funding for her vehicle, but she has also lost her primary source of independence. She mentioned that while she does have alternative means of transportation, her van was her “lifeline”.
As someone with a disability, this is honestly hard to believe. It’s hard to believe that man still lives in a world where people “cheat” others out of what they deserve—what they’re entitled to as s human being. There’s a part of me that feels like I have to accept it, because it does happen and it’s a part of our culture. I think it’s even harder to accept the fact that it happens, and not just to the disabled.
This happens to everyone and I’m grateful to have the ability and privilege to at least write about things of this nature. There’s another part of Denise Haddon’s story, however, that I’m absolutely dumbfounded by: How does one judge how disabled another person is? Is there a barometer that measures these kind of levels that I haven’t heard about? If there is, I’d like to see it.
I just can’t seem to wrap my head around that. Denise’s story might seem small to some, but it’s important to the inner-workings of the social justice system. It’s important because it’s a human story at its very core. While being a writer gives me a platform to raise awareness, it’s also a reminder that simply penning a few words about issues like this isn’t enough. I don’t think it will ever be enough, because it’s not my sole responsibility to raise awareness. It’s everyone’s responsibility. If a handful of people don’t take it, that’s a handful less of thoughts and voices that could make a difference.
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It seems simple, almost elementary, to think that all of mankind is born with the tools to build that foundation, but it would be foolish to hang all of one’s hopes on that single thought. It’s even easier to think that everyone has someone or something in their lives that ignites a fire in them when hope seems to be lost.
That begs the question: What if you came across someone who didn’t have any of these things? What if a basic human right was taken away from them, simply because they don’t “measure up” to someone else’s standards—and most importantly, how would you react or respond if you were an innocent bystander watching your fellow man be subjected to this kind of treatment?
I think the expression, “Don’t tear anyone down unless you’re willing to build them up!” applies here. If we’re not willing to help those who need it, what are we really doing? What are we saying about the world we live in today? What are we saying about ourselves?
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Photo Credit: Newstream/DailyMail.com