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THE NON-MILITARY DISABLED
Nov 27, 2008

It warms my heart every time I see the progress being made in assistance to our wounded warriors who return from Iraq and Afghanistan disabled. I marvel at the advanced technology incorporated into prosthetics they are fitted for, the modern wheelchairs and other updated aids to daily living. A few days ago I saw a house donated to a wounded vet that had been constructed by his neighbors, equipped with the latest adaptive equipment and totally accessible for his electric wheelchair. 

It did make me wonder though. Is this technology going to reach those disabled who are not vets? Will there be approvals forthcoming for this equipment? Is it now going to become easier for non-military disabled to get the same quality of care and assistance?  Are attitudes toward the disabled changing for the better? Will the public support us now? Will our quality of life improve?

The fight for rights of the disabled has been a long, hard-fought struggle that continues to this day. In spite of the fact that accessibility has benefitted not only the disabled, but the general public (ex. mothers pushing baby strollers using curb cuts, automatic doors, etc.) the struggle of the disabled for affordable accessible housing, the right to work for those of us who are willing and able, modern prosthetics, medicare approvals, accessible transportation, home aides (I could go on and on) is by no means over. 

We must continue our struggle to be recognized and not treated as second-class citizens, and not forced to live in abject poverty as most of us do. 

I have an aide who suffers from lupus. After she leaves my apartment she goes home and collapses in her bed. A divorcee, raising 3 children, she does not get enough alimony to make ends meet so trying to stay off of welfare she works for me. However, the government - state and federal- monitor her earnings like a hawk. Although she is allowed to work 700 hours a month and only works 24, she is being threatened with losing her health care or having her benefits cut. 

Another former aide, a divorcee as well who is single-handedly raising 8 children was forced to quit after receiving a notice that her health care coverage would be taken away because she was working 12 hours a week.  

In order for the disabled who are not able to work to receive state or federal assistance we must stay 300% below the poverty line. These income limitations are stifling and forcing us to live hand-to-mouth on extremely tight budgets depending on relatives and friends for anything extra such as getting a tooth filled, a movie, a magazine subscription, a dinner out or other such "luxuries".  Preventive health care is not allowed and even physical therapy is limited. Many communities have no public transportation, leaving many of us house-bound.

In order for us to get what we require we must continue our fight for a decent quality of life. Just give us what we need and we will take care of ourselves. We want the freedom to be independent. 
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Posted: Thursday November 27, 2008, 4:49 pm
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Elaine B.
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female, age 17, divorced, 1 child
Hudson, MA, USA
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It warms my heart every time I see the progress being made in assistance to our wounded warriors who return from Iraq and Afghanistan disabled. I marvel at the advanced technology incorporated into prosthetics they are fitted for, the modern wheelcha...
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It warms my heart every time I see the progress being made in assistance to our wounded warriors who return from Iraq and Afghanistan disabled. I marvel at the advanced technology incorporated into prosthetics they are fitted for, the modern wheelcha...


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