Imagine
2020 11 25 | journal
We had a hashtag campaign going on Twitter regarding the things that impact people on disability assistance. These were the posts I made:
- Can you imagine being so broke you had to borrow money to buy feminine hygiene products? I can. I've lived it. No one should have to live so meanly.
- Imagine having to decide between food, medication, or rent. Situations are that dire for the disabled.
- Imagine feeling compelled to pretend to be too sick to go out with friends because you didn't want to tell them you were too broke to socialise.
- Haircut, winter boots, toothbrush, toilet paper, underwear, dish soap, hand soap, toothpaste. Imagine waking up each day stressed over where any of those was coming from.
- It would be nice to be able to buy a gift for a friend at Christmas without having to starve yourself to do it.
- No disabled person is born asking to live an impeded life. Don't blame the disabled for their disabilities. Don't treat them as if they are disposable, detritus, without worth.
- Food banks are a sign of a broken system. Forcing people to rely on them is monstrous. Give people the dignity of a liveable income.
- With a liveable income people could eat better than what's doled out from a food bank or what they can scrounge at the dollar store.
- One time I had only a single pair of shoes, and they were broken.
- $1169 per month cannot pay market rent, cover necessities, buy food, or sustain a life.
- Don't conflate being unable with being unwilling. Disabled people aren't lazy or incapable.
- Not all disabilities can be accommodated all the time. Work is not always possible, and not always possible in a sustainable fashion.
- Don't take your ability for granted. One day you might wake up and find yourself without ability, without work, without means, and without support.