THE ANGRY LARY
Feeling those everyday frustrations get the better
of you? Need to get something off your chest
before you explode? Well this is the place to do it.
It’s our new soapbox section – our chance to have a
bit of a rant. It’s all in good spirits though. We’re not
looking to change the world – just draw attention to
those bits of the world that don’t quite make sense!
My biggest impairment
And one more thing legislation-setters: I’ve got
another case to argue – only problem is, I haven’t
got much of a voice to argue it with! Doesn’t that
count for something? Shouldn’t the fact that I can’t
hold a normal conversation with anyone count as a
day-to-day impairment.
This month, our angry lary wants to talk about
disability...
They say I’m not disabled, but what do they know?
Here’s my issue. According to the disability
legislation, you’re only classed as disabled if you
have a physical or mental impairment which causes
a long term adverse effect in carrying out normal
day to day activities:
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Being able to feed yourself
Taking care of your personal hygiene
Shopping
Walking
Shouldn’t the fact that I can’t hold a normal conversation
with anyone count as a day-to-day impairment?
Well, let’s see. What about showering? (Don’t worry
I’m well washed today – but I’m a bit more tentative
around water than I used to be.) Thanks to products
form Countrywide I can shower – but it’s a much
more serious occupation than it used to be – not
to be undertaken lightly. Certainly I couldn’t do it
without having the right equipment to hand. And
don’t get me started on swimming. With full scuba
gear, I might just about be able to manage the
breast stroke – but that might make me a look a bit
ungainly at the local baths.
8 THE VOICE | Summer 2010
I find it hard to engage with my close friends and
family in the same way that I used to. That, to me,
certainly feels like a serious impairment.
Suppose I need to contact the emergency services.
Would they be able to understand me? Would they
be able to deliver the assistance I needed? Well,
maybe if they had half an hour to spare and were
prepared for a bit of heavy breathing along the
way. But seriously, I’m really not sure they could.
Shouldn’t the fact that I couldn’t ask for help count
as an impairment? Surely anyone with a serious