Disability question

[PhilDawson8270]

What was it then?

That no matter how hard people with disabilities work to obtain a "normal" life, or succeed. It will often be used as a tool to refuse them assistance.

 

[r04DiE]

The point that several people have been trying to make - and which you seem to be overlooking - is that there is a legal definition of disability ( 'a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities') which is being rigorously applied in the assessment of eligibility for support and benefits.

Yes, I am well aware of that fact, thanks. I think there is more in my posts to confirm that I have not overlooked that, than that I have.

The person making that assessment could easily suggest that if Accy Cyclist is a "normal bloke that goes cycling" then that is in itself evidence that his sight impairment does not have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, and thus he doesn't need additional support.

Yes, that could be true, but let's not jump the gun and try to make that assessment here, or try to put Accy off of going ahead with seeking a claim.

PaulSB nailed it in his post #10: "When completing claims forms do not be positive. Do not give a hint that you can cope with the situation."

And you will see that I also whole-heartedly agreed with that post as well.

 

[r04DiE]

That no matter how hard people with disabilities work to obtain a "normal" life, or succeed. It will often be used as a tool to refuse them assistance.

Well, I can't disagree with you there, for certain.

 

[r04DiE]

[QUOTE 4420640, member: 259"]I'm functionally blind in my right eye. I must say, the only adverse effect it's had on my life is that I'm not very good at ball games. I couldn't imagine how it might be classed as a disability.[/QUOTE]

Same for Mrs R. She can't play sports with a moving ball but represented her country in triathlon (way back in 1986 and 1987). She is an academic doctor but her career has never been affected by it.

Yes, but neither of thee people are Accy, and we're all different.

 

[Bazzer]

That's correct, but then I'm not the one making judgements on whether his condition is worthy of benefits.I am sure that he's well aware that his claim may or may not be upheld. Talking like that is just going to make him feel like it's not worth it, or he doesn't deserve it, and you don't know that.
Yes, thanks for that, but I have experience of my own with the inadequacies of the benefits system that would make your hair curl. This is why I'm giving the bloke a bit of advice and encouragement.

Then you should be aware of the difficulties.
As someone who for a living, investigates false claims and declarations (not for the DWP or whichever agency/LA deals with any claim submitted by Accy by the way), I know the lengths I will legally go to and the sources of information I will check, if necessary seeking Court Orders, to see if what I am being told is correct.
As a taxpayer, I would expect any claim to be properly reviewed. Given that the Government is hell bent on reducing public spending even further, the experiences of others who have posted in this thread and the experiences of my own family and friends, I'd suggest the adoption of realism not optimism.

 

[r04DiE]

Then you should be aware of the difficulties.

I am.

As someone who for a living, investigates false claims and declarations (not for the DWP or whichever agency/LA deals with any claim submitted by Accy by the way), I know the lengths I will legally go to and the sources of information I will check, if necessary seeking Court Orders, to see if what I am being told is correct.
As a taxpayer, I would expect any claim to be properly reviewed. Given that the Government is hell bent on reducing public spending even further, the experiences of others who have posted in this thread and the experiences of my own family and friends, I'd suggest the adoption of realism not optimism.

I am not suggesting optimism, I am suggesting that if he takes the advice of his GP and makes enquiries, he should fill the forms out to reflect worst case scenario otherwise the chances of any benefits would be slim.

 

[r04DiE]

Apologies, you are quite right.