Equine related discrimination

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So yes I can understand, why people may question how a person who is labled or labels themselve disabled can particpate in such an extreme sport, yet may find it difficult or challenging to do less demanding activities.

It's not that simple though. My OH is semi-paralysed but used to ride (pain stops him now). He was relatively safe aboard a horse, but falls regularly on his own two feet.

Because of issues with a paralysed hand he cannot open jars or cut food up - and yet he can drive a tractor.

Just a couple of examples that show how difficult it is to generalise in these cases.

And btw - my husband gets no financial help for being disabled, in spite of being semi-paralysed.

 

[FILLYSIRE]

And btw - my husband gets no financial help for being disabled, in spite of being paralysed.

Based on what Sez gets in entitlements for her disability (whatever it is), your husband ought to be getting a fortune!

 

[mikh]

Just a couple of examples that show how difficult it is to generalise in these cases.

And btw - my husband gets no financial help for being disabled, in spite of being semi-paralysed.

Yep I agree there are so many individual cases, and all assessed differently by those who administer benefits, and not always fair (I have personal experience of this too). All I was doing was sympathising with both Sez and Fillyshire, I can see it from both view points. But often think that confusion can be confused for discrimination in some cases

 

[chev]

But often think that confusion can be confused for discrimination in some cases

Would agree with that.

 

[Abserd]

I would also like to add that the amounts provided by DLA are paltry in comparison to the care needs for example Fillysire's daughter. I have a cousin who is 4, with CP, epilepsy, hearing and visual impairments and developmental delay. She is on both the highest rates of DLA, which is still nothing in comparison to a 'decent weekly wage'. Anyway, just wanted to point out, only ONE rate of DLA gets you any assistance towards a vehicle and that is High Rate Mobility.

Chev's OH i should add, would also be entitled to some rate of DLA, but it is his decision whether to claim it. However if he has mobility problems, he must claim before the age of 65, otherwise he can only get the care component. Hey, i don't write the law, blame some plonker in Whitehall!

*gently gets off soapbox*

 

[*Sez*]

According to the Disability Discrimination Act:

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

I don't want to get into who is more disabled than whom, because that is beside the point. I realise there are many, many people who are worse off than me, and I do appreciate the good things in my life, but that doesn't mean that I am not allowed to have a disability or to suffer from depression as a result. I have my own list of things I cannot do and will never do. It is not my intention to belittle anyone or to offend anyone, but the issue of health is never black and white.

I get high rate mobility because I have difficulty walking. I was awarded it after I recieved support from one of the UK's leading experts in my condition. Because I have difficulty walking, I am required to use a car on a more regular basis than an "able bodied" person. If I could walk the short journey to work and not use a car, I would.
I don't feel I have to justify anything, to be honest. My horse costs me far less to keep than my car costs to run in a month, and I am entitled to the disability money I get. It is NOT income based. It's based on my disability. Even if I was earning £30,000 a year, I would still be entitled to it. Many people choose not to claim, and that is their decision. I work full time and the only tax I am exempt from is road tax. If I want to get a 4x4 as my Motability car, then I am quite entitled to do that, however, I would have to come up with a lump sum to pay towards it, so it wouldn't be a freebie.

I will admit that I've had a pretty horrible weekend after dislocating my shoulder when rolling over in bed on Saturday night. I'm sore and I'm ****ed off with my body, so I apologise if I come across as defensive and snappy. However, I won't post again about my disability and the issues relating to it. I have to put up with enough of this IRL, and it was not my intention to come across as sympathy-seeking.

I would appreciate it if someone could close, and preferably remove, this thread. I've just had enough.

 

[chev]

Closing at op's request.