Our views on the news…
CYA’s views on the recent news about the changes to the welfare system and how our allies can support disabled people when there are news stories that can cause anxiety or a rise in inappropriate comments online
“Disabled people must work from home to do ‘their duty’, says UK minister
How this has made us feel…
“Scared, angry, worried, furious and disappointed.”
Our collective thoughts:
We know not all disabled people are able to work from home due to many different and sometimes complex reasons. For them these changes will cause stress especially as they may face a cut in money. We are also worried that there wouldn't be enough stay at home jobs for those that are able to work from home.
Stories like this concern us. The narrative that we see in the press and on social media can be harmful as it creates misconceptions about disabled people. Disabled people are labelled as scroungers, lazy, dossers, etc.
We often see an increase in comments towards disabled people online because of the way these news stories are reported. The comment sections can make you feel really lonely when you don't see anyone stand up for people with disabilities or even show any empathy.
“Charities have already warned that DWP plans to tighten health-related benefits – which are provided to more than 3 million working-age adults in the UK – could cause “huge anxiety” and mean “sanctions” for disabled people.”
When people have a disability that will never be cured they are made to go through the same checks to prove they still have a disability. This shows a lack of understanding from the DWP and government about disability and LTHC. Disabled people are forced to go to tribunals which impacts their mental health/condition to prove that they have a disability because some people have been fraudulent to the system. The people who abuse the system will not face this level of anxiety.
“It’s expensive to be disabled!”
For those of us who need to have accessible travel or accessible aids the costs can soon mount up. This is something that people often do not take into consideration.
What can you do as an ally?
We find that those who do speak up will have lived experience but this can be draining for them. We urge you to stand up for people with disabilities.
Our suggestions…
Look out for people with disabilities and long term health conditions in your workplace or networks, think about how you can make they feel valued and heard.
Write a statement and add in your communications to say you are standing in solidarity with the disabled community.
If you have disabled friends and or family members, reach out and check in.
Report any examples of online hate or ableism you come across to the social media channels they are on. The more we report inappropriate content the better the AI systems will get at recognising it. If you are not sure how you can do this or would like to find out more about being an ally. Sign up to our Ally Pack
Further reading:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/17/ministers-failures-mean-disabled-people-in-uk-face-growing-poverty-risk-report
https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/news/new-data-reveals-uk-government-s-benefit-changes-to-force-disabled-people-into-non-existent-job-market/
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/mar/accessible-ucl-beyond-disability-history-month-talking-students-and-staff-disabilitie
