OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- PLAYING THE SYSTEM

The following article was published in my column in The Phoenix on December 2, 2005...

In one of my recent columns, I mentioned the statistic of a 79% unemployment rate for the disabled. Think about it. 7 out of 10 people with a disability are out of work.

Now, I'm sure most of those 70% really can't work, or at least can't hold downa job which society deems as being "gainfully employed" ( a term I never really understood). Many people with a disability can't even get out of bed, let alone hold a job. I understand that situation. I've been there before, in fact, quite recently after my accident. So, in that instance, a disability check every month is a necessity to keep living.

However, I am also sure there is a small portion of that 70% statistic that refuse to work. Un fortunately, I have encountered a few of these cases in my life.

In my social work career, I remember meeting a man who came into the office seeking help. He looked to be in his 30s, maybe 40s at the most. He looked young, husky and strapping. He could walk, and I would never have guessed he had a disability of any kind.

He told me he was on disability during our conversation. At first, I looked at him with suspicion, as again, he didn't appear to have any sort of handicap. But then I thought, well maybe he has a hidden disability, something which does keep him from doing gainful work, maybe some sort of disease not visibly apparent. Just because I get around in aa wheelchair and my physical challenge is obvious doesn't mean that this gentleman doesn't have his own problems, maybe even worse than mine. Who was I to judge?

By the end of our talk I felt better- until his parting remark was that he had to go home to "rip out a wall." Apparently, he was renovating his house- and doing most of the work himself. Painting, wallpapering, you name it. Hard, physical work, even for someone who is healthy.

Disabled? Yet renovating your home? Even if he did have a hidden disability, would his doctor approve of knocking down a wall?

Here I was, in a wheelchair, yet making the effort to go to work each day, when I could be home collecting a monthly check, and here he was, able to walk, seemingly healthy, even admitting to renovating his own home, yet not working and collecting a check each month.

What's wrong with this picture?

I had a similar experience with a former "friend" of mine. She was then in her early 30s and was on disability for "depression." Now, I admit that mjkor depression can be a very serious illness, not only mentally, but physically as well. I have known people who were so depressed they isolated themselves in their house for weeks, let alone work.

But my friend could still function. That is the key. Does your disability impair your ability to function, even doing a normal, everday task, such as getting  out of bed and getting dressed each morning?

I believed she was depressed, but I also believed she could work if she wanted to, even if it meant flipping burgers. At least it is a job.Sometimes pride has to come into play, but for some people, laziness overwhelms simple pride.

She wasn't "depressed" when she went to a concert, or did something fun. But mention employment to her and she reminded the world what a bummer life was and how her moods wouldn't allow her to work eight hours a day.

That's a shame, because not only does an attitude like that destroy you, not only is it unfair to society, who has to pay for that monthly disability check, but it makes it bad for the people who really need that check, those who really can't work. It makes it tougher on them to receive their check. You may have a lifelong disability, but after every so many years, you still have to prove that you are disabled, that your condition hasn't changed and you really need your monthly disability check. For someone who really can't get around, someone who really is physically ill or severely in firmed, it's a hassle to do all the paperwork involved without some help. I know. I've been down that road before as well.

In fact, not long ago, my para transit application was up for renewal. I use para transit to get back and forth to work each day since I can't drive. It allows me some sort of independence, and not have to be dependent on family and friends for transportation needs.

Anyway, despite the fact that my disability hasn't changed, and really never will change, I still had to physically go to Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital to prove I am still unable to drive or even get to a bus stop to use a regular bus. Ironically, I had to take para transit to Bryn Mawr to prove that I still need para transit to get around.

I eventually had my card renewed.. It was annoying to have to take time off from work to travel to Bryn Mawr just to prove I really need this benefit. But again, I reminded myself this was only protecting my own self, and others who are truly in need of help, from those who take advantage of the system- and hence, make it bad for everyone.

The system is great for those who really need the help. But like everything else in life, if you abuse it, you may lose it, and that would be a shame for people who really do need some help just because some individuals decided it was easier to rip off the system.