Galway Independent | Disability rights campaigner quits Labour
great...a man of conscience
A disabled woman challenges the 'status quo' in Ireland. This blog was started to highlight inequality, abuse and injustice in the lives of disabled people. The wooden spoon was given to me when I graduated (PhD) as I'm known to 'stir up' and get things done. I'm still stirring from my wheelchair...Justice for disabled people demands we 'stir-up' complacency, injustice, inequality lack of services, and scapegoating . Disabled people deserve rights not charity! "Nothing about me without me!"
About Me
- Dr Margaret Kennedy
- A campaigner against Clergy sexual Abuse, Disablity Inequality & abuse, Housing Scandal for disabled people, HSE inadequacies
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Brazilian doctor investigated over 300 hospital deaths | World news | guardian.co.uk
Brazilian doctor investigated over 300 hospital deaths | World news | guardian.co.uk
Perhaps someone decided these lives 'not worth living'!
Perhaps someone decided these lives 'not worth living'!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Disability protesters storm offices of Wirral MP Esther McVey - Liverpool Local News - News - Liverpool Echo
Disability protesters storm offices of Wirral MP Esther McVey - Liverpool Local News - News - Liverpool Echo
i'd be happy if disabled people were as active here in ireland
i'd be happy if disabled people were as active here in ireland
Sunday, March 24, 2013
The wheelchair USER
We are ‘wheelchair USERS‘ - We ‘USE’ a Wheelchair
Interesting that a very good article about a sick and disabled woman trying to save her powered wheelchair can generate vitriol and anger over whether she is ’wheelchair bound’ or not. Such a diatribe was visited upon us this morning as if we were fakes, frauds, liars. It was very upsetting indeed.
As well as ‘fighting’ the HSE to keep the allocated and assessed by occupational therapist as needed powered wheelchair, we had to be subject to abuse from others. By the way the wheelchair is not being removed because it is not needed , it is being removed because of a bizarre regulation that shows ignorance by the HSE on the different uses of a mobility scooter and a powered wheelchair. “You can’t have both” means they actually think both have the same function. Thus our own HSE staff do not understand disability which is frightening for disabled people, and quite appalling if viewed as good professional practice! The issue is wider than just these twins here!
‘Wheelchair bound’ is a term used in the article, it is considered old fashioned, and not correct as a description for many reasons. It is often used to press home a point that the actual wheelchair is a necessity. However not everyone who uses a wheelchair is in fact fully ’wheelchair bound’ as in ’cannot walk at all’ .
Many who ’USE’ wheelchairs can walk. They may do a bit of gardening, may walk around the house, may take a camera down the lane for a few pictures…this does not mean they can do without their powered wheelchair. This is especially so for people with illnesses, or with fluctuating energy levels or who might only be able to walk on smooth surfaces. It can be so for those with degenerative disorders in the early or mid stages of deterioration. Or those who have balance disorders or are slow or arthritic and in pain if they walk too much.
So what is the correct description…it is ‘wheelchair user’. This describes someone who uses a wheelchair. Very simple.
The fact that service providers use the crude analysis ‘can she walk’ as a test for whether one is a genuine recipient of such a wheelchair is a constant bug-bear for people with disability, and those who are sick or physically weak individuals. If I stand at the sink does this mean I don’t need a powered wheelchair? If I go to the chemist and walk in to get my prescription does this mean I don’t need a wheelchair? No. Because a lot depends on what I’ve done the day before, what time of day it is, and whether today my legs are working well or not. There are times I won’t use my powered wheelchair if I’m visiting relatives whose homes are simply not geared to a wheelchair user. I’m grateful I can still walk to some degree, and make such a visit. There are other times it’s very necessary. But if one sees me or my twin walking it requires those looking to trust us that what we are doing is extremely difficult at times, sometimes stretching both energy banks and physical ability to its limits.
We shouldn’t have to ‘prove’ that we are telling the truth about our conditions/disability. The truth is, however, we have defined/diagnosed (by neurologists) neurodegenerative disorders. A combination of a disorder of the Basil Ganglia (seen on scans), mine is defined as Parkinson’s, Ann’s as Dystonia and a neuromuscular disorder: muscle myopathy: muscle wasting (seen under microscopes after muscle biopsies). In fact I am having specialised tests in London which appear to be leading to discovering a rare genetic mitochondrial DNA disorder which we both were probably born with.
My twin Ann has also got Crohns disease, Sjogrens syndrome (Venus Williams has this and had to pull out of her tennis career) , raynauds, hypothyroidism (as I have) and each of these separate diseases leads to severe fatigue, and Ann has several! She also has deformed feet, leading to two severely damaged Achilles tendons. She is in chronic severe pain. I had cancer treatment last year that added to my difficulties. None of these conditions are ‘made up’ or ‘fabricated’ but looking at us from the position of outsider you would never know there was anything wrong with us.
So it is very upsetting to get the sort of phone calls we had this morning. Only we can decide whether today, this hour, this morning or this afternoon our powered wheelchairs will be essential. Only we can determine if our energy ‘banks’ are full or empty. Only we can determine whether our legs will take us around that supermarket or should we take the powered wheelchairs. Only we can determine whether we better try walking a bit so as to keep what’s left of our muscles going.
These are constant ongoing internal decisions made by the ‘wheelchair user’, as opposed to those the general public perceive as ‘wheelchair bound’. Frankly many disabled people are tired and weary of non-disabled people making ill-informed judgements about us. Disability can be very complex and the simplicity of the distinctions “she can walk/ she can’t walk” is just that…simplistic.
It’s about time disability awareness, disability equality and human rights perspectives were enshrined in law to protect us from these onslaughts and abusive judgements.
Written after negative comments by phone to me this morning made following the publication in 'The Daily Star' Ireland about the HSE taking Ann's powered wheelchair away.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Galway Independent | Nolan defends disability cuts
Galway Independent | Nolan defends disability cuts
HA! the joke is they think a lower cut is a victory. it's STILL a cut!
HA! the joke is they think a lower cut is a victory. it's STILL a cut!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
20,000 people aged over 70 to lose medical card - Political News | Irish & International Politics | The Irish Times - Thu, Mar 21, 2013
20,000 people aged over 70 to lose medical card - Political News | Irish & International Politics | The Irish Times - Thu, Mar 21, 2013
more attacks against vulnerable people
more attacks against vulnerable people
Dublin People | Mobility allowance cut causes fear of isolation
Dublin People | Mobility allowance cut causes fear of isolation
utterly barbaric to have this man trapped in misery
utterly barbaric to have this man trapped in misery
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
ILF judicial review: ‘I’ll choose Dignitas over residential care’
ILF judicial review: ‘I’ll choose Dignitas over residential care’
yes that is the choice. No disabled person really WANTS residential care. Most prefer to live independently
yes that is the choice. No disabled person really WANTS residential care. Most prefer to live independently
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Nazi Persecution of the Disabled: Murder of "The Unfit"
Nazi Persecution of the Disabled: Murder of "The Unfit"
Germany is again spawning a purge on disabled peoples lives. The demands of austerity which the sick disabled and elderly take the largest hit is killing us. Germany is running the EU and no state is demanding that the ethnic group 'disabled people' be safeguarded.
We as a minority are being targetted.
Germany is again spawning a purge on disabled peoples lives. The demands of austerity which the sick disabled and elderly take the largest hit is killing us. Germany is running the EU and no state is demanding that the ethnic group 'disabled people' be safeguarded.
We as a minority are being targetted.
Activist 'shocked' at conviction for yelling at David Cameron | World news | guardian.co.uk
Activist 'shocked' at conviction for yelling at David Cameron | World news | guardian.co.uk
Yes this all speaks of a 'police state'. When the police attack genuine protests.. it's no better than Russia,
Yes this all speaks of a 'police state'. When the police attack genuine protests.. it's no better than Russia,
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
Diary of a Benefit Scrounger
Diary of a Benefit Scrounger
a UK site. The British Conservative government has been horrendous for disabled people. as has the Irish Government. Media portrayal of us as 'scroungers' etc feed the rise in disability hate crime.
a UK site. The British Conservative government has been horrendous for disabled people. as has the Irish Government. Media portrayal of us as 'scroungers' etc feed the rise in disability hate crime.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
"I can do it!": Blind four-year-old Gavin steps off kerb by himself for the first time - video - Yahoo! News UK
"I can do it!": Blind four-year-old Gavin steps off kerb by himself for the first time - video - Yahoo! News UK
Wow! Fab! inspiration! NO...he's a kid learning to cross the road. OK yeh...he's blind...so what?
This is Soooooooooooooooo patronising. This sort of drivel creates victims....
Wow! Fab! inspiration! NO...he's a kid learning to cross the road. OK yeh...he's blind...so what?
This is Soooooooooooooooo patronising. This sort of drivel creates victims....
Monday, March 11, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Lorraine Bayless' family back nurse who did not intervene to save their mother's life | Mail Online
Lorraine Bayless' family back nurse who did not intervene to save their mother's life | Mail Online
i seem to remember the home supported the care-worker who did not do CPR. Now they say she 'misinterpreted' the policies and is off on leave.
'Fall-guy' methinks.
i seem to remember the home supported the care-worker who did not do CPR. Now they say she 'misinterpreted' the policies and is off on leave.
'Fall-guy' methinks.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Doctor did not treat child over card issue - The Irish Times - Tue, Mar 05, 2013
Doctor did not treat child over card issue - The Irish Times - Tue, Mar 05, 2013
good decision. the poor must still get a gp ...
good decision. the poor must still get a gp ...
Monday, March 4, 2013
Couple who left MS sufferer, Evelyn Joel, to die in her own filth receive suspended sentence - Independent.ie
Couple who left MS sufferer, Evelyn Joel, to die in her own filth receive suspended sentence - Independent.ie
So a manslaughter conviction but no prison sentance...why...because their victim had MS. This is the Irish Justice system for you.
I am raging
So a manslaughter conviction but no prison sentance...why...because their victim had MS. This is the Irish Justice system for you.
I am raging
Grants to adapt for disability cut 40% - The Irish Times - Mon, Mar 04, 2013
Grants to adapt for disability cut 40% - The Irish Times - Mon, Mar 04, 2013
More attacks on disabled people in Ireland. And these grants certainly DO NOT cover 80% of building works! and the grief they put you under just by applying is horrendous. I know...I got one last year and the process is inhumane!
More attacks on disabled people in Ireland. And these grants certainly DO NOT cover 80% of building works! and the grief they put you under just by applying is horrendous. I know...I got one last year and the process is inhumane!
Calif. woman dies after nurse refuses to do CPR
Calif. woman dies after nurse refuses to do CPR
Killing the elderly worldwide in our so-called enlightened era.
Killing the elderly worldwide in our so-called enlightened era.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Involuntary detention: Health Minister gets stuck in lift at psychiatric hospital - Independent.ie
Involuntary detention: Health Minister gets stuck in lift at psychiatric hospital - Independent.ie
So Kathleen Lynch has a real taste of 'entrapment' that she has imposed on severely disabled people by cutting mobility allowances and the motor transport grant. She was there with a psychiatrist and Minister O'Reilly. Pity it wasn't more than 20 minutes. A psychatrist may have had the opportunity in 'curing' both Minister O'Reilly and Minister Lynch of their anti-disabled people's benefit's agenda. The psychiatrist had a real opportunity in doing abit of therapy to enable both ministers overcome their 'disorders' of 'fear that sick and disabled people will bankrupt this state' .
So Kathleen Lynch has a real taste of 'entrapment' that she has imposed on severely disabled people by cutting mobility allowances and the motor transport grant. She was there with a psychiatrist and Minister O'Reilly. Pity it wasn't more than 20 minutes. A psychatrist may have had the opportunity in 'curing' both Minister O'Reilly and Minister Lynch of their anti-disabled people's benefit's agenda. The psychiatrist had a real opportunity in doing abit of therapy to enable both ministers overcome their 'disorders' of 'fear that sick and disabled people will bankrupt this state' .
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