Dear Mr Hammond,
I write to you as a concern member of the British public and as a young adult with physical and learning disabilities. Earlier this week in evidence you gave to the Commons Treasury Select Committee on the 2017 budget. During this time, you suggested that low productivity measurements may have been influenced by the increase in disabled people, who are in work. Although you appeared to applaud the fact that more people with disabilities ae in work. From an outward perspective of someone who has tried to find a full-time job whilst living with a disability, the comments you made reinforce the perspective that having a disability makes you a ‘burden on society’. As a recent graduate with a degree in Social work, I have witnessed first-hand the difficulties in finding a full time job, and have since decided to create my own job as I have been unsuccessful in finding a job that can be adapted to fit my physical limitations. Through speaking with people at university, my friends and those I have met through volunteering in the community - disabled people should be recognised as should anyone as hardworking, determined and passionate. Having a disability can be difficult and as each day passes I face daily doubts of being good enough. The reality of finding work can be difficult for anyone as I am sure you know. However, this pressure can be even greater for those with a disability. Those living with physical disabilities and learning difficulties may feel pressured into finding a job when their benefits may have seen drastic changes and the strain of his/her condition on daily life can contribute to how they themselves manage with the real-life experiences of having a medical condition. Despite this I know many young people and adults who regardless of their condition go to work each day giving everything they can as do the rest of society. I am aware that with Brexit and the current financial crisis, there are tensions among resources. However, I would ask that you reflect on the comments you made and listen to the people that would have been directly affected by these words. Having a disability does not have an on and off switch and after leaving work. Regardless, people still actively seek work and go above and beyond the expectations of those around them. Disabled people should in no circumstance be marginalised as the reason for a country’s economic growth. Investment is needed to support those with disabilities both in and out of work. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reported this week that nearly a third of disabled people live in poverty. It is important to recognise that every human being has a direct influence on another and in the words of Robin Williams from the film Patch Adams “you treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome”. I thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Chandos
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AuthorBrain tumour survivor. Ambassador, campaigner and co-founder of #IFightFor Archives
January 2019
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