More Misconceptions

When speaking about people with disabilities, I often hear people talk about "they" supplying things for PWD.  "They help people pay for the lift in their van" or "they help pay for assistive devices and designs" or "they help pay for wheelchairs".

I'll let you in on a little secret.  THERE IS NO THEY!  For me, independent transportation is a large financial burden.  I don't have roll-under sinks and universally designed cabinets in my home.  I can't afford it!  There is lots of adaptive equipment out there which I simply cannot afford.  There are many dis-incentives for PWD who want to work, and staying in the workforce can be a daunting task.

Example...When I get a new wheelchair, I absolutely need adaptive seating that raises the seat height in order that I can safely make lateral transfers.  Health insurance does not cover such adaptive devices; they are considered luxury items!  So I pay almost $1,000 for such adaptives.  The lift in my van requires maintenance and very expensive service.

So people with disabilities face large financial burdens.  There is help out there, but most is on a sliding scale based on income, not on family size or financial burdens already in place. 

Bottom line is this; being disabled is expensive!

Comments

[Brennan Kingsland]

You speak the truth! When I was able to work actively as a Registered Nurse, I was able to support myself, my heart-patient hubby and our entire No-Kill Animal Sanctuary as easily as breathing.

When my Multiple Sclerosis made me unable to provide safe patient care, I stopped being one of the top paid Case Management Nurse Managers, with all the certifications, degrees and practical experience that is in demand. Instead, I became bed-ridden with all the expenses you are referring to.

I started working at the age of 8 in our family business, every day after school and weekends. People think it's easy working in a family business, but they don't realize that more is expected of the eldest. I worked my entire life and paid into every program there is. Now, I would love to be able to work at a physical job, but my body says NO!

I am "they", because I've had to pay for everything I've received. And you are so correct, being disabled IS EXPENSIVE!