Disabled People Are Not All Paralympians Or Benefit Scroungers 

Society often views disabled people as inspiring Paralympians or lazy benefit scroungers they have to support.

Let’s Start with Paralympians

Firstly, not all disabled people can be Paralympians. There is strict criteria and categories which many disabilities don’t fit into. They many want to be Paralympians but are excluded as their chronic illness/disability is not a disability that is included. As such they don’t have the right disability. Also, some people will fit in to categories in some sports, but not others.

Secondly, the Paralympics is elite sport, Paralympians don’t participate, they compete. They train hard and achieve a high level with several Paralympian’s times/distances meaning they could qualify for the Olympics.

Most disabled people, like most non-disabled people simply would not be good enough to be selected for the Paralympics, however hard they train.

Not every disabled person, like not every non-disabled person actually wants to be a Paralympian.

It is great that the Paralympics challenges the view of what society often views disabled people can do and are capable of.

Paralympians are incredible. Their achievements with disabilities are inspiring. They deserve equal recognition to Olympians.

Benefit Scroungers

Many people see disabled people as a drain on society, the enemy they have to support and what their taxes go on. Should we not support those who are most severely disabled? The system is there for all, should you ever be in that unfortunate position.

Please question your view if you believe this. Yes, I appreciate there is a tiny percentage of people who abuse the system, but that is not the majority. The majority are people who are desperately trying their best. Who want to work but can’t. They are not Benefit scroungers.

The Inbetweeners- Nobody Talks About

Then there are the accountants, lawyers, journalists, architects, shop assistants, carers, nurses, doctors, bloggers, vloggers, content creators and everyone in between. These inbetweeners are a high percentage. They work in jobs, part time and full time. Just like non-disabled people.

The Other Inbetweeners- Stuck with the System

Then there are the disabled people able to work a bit, but not enough. On benefits and able to work a permitted number of hours. Then stuck in a catch 22 situation as they can’t make the jump to be off benefits, as they will be much worse off and can’t do anymore hours as they will lose their benefits. Many also struggling to get the employment that can be flexible to accommodate fluctuating illnesses, meaning sometimes they are able to work more, and other times they are not.

Don’t put disabled people in one of two boxes. It is not that simple.

I want you to celebrate the achievements of the Paralympians, support those who are too ill or disabled to work and remember there are so many other disabled people in the middle who work with day-to-day jobs. I want you to rethink your view and question any bias you have.

Hannah x

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