Hi readers, it’s Kerry here. Yes, we said we’ll write more on going out today, but we’ll do that another time.
So, will I be sharing my thoughts on the government welfare announcements?
I have seen reactions from big organisations online, but not much from people with a learning disability. It doesn’t surprise me. Not because people with a learning disability don’t care, or worry, about changes to benefits. We do. It’s because, as you’ll know if you read this column often, we need appropriate support to a) understand reforms, what they are and mean; and b) express and share our thoughts.
This takes time, and good support. Also, there is no national body that just represents people with a learning disability, where we come together and speak up for ourselves. The ones already out there, however good, also represent, or are providers of services, like Mencap. A national body is needed, like the National Forum was, where we’d listen to what people with a learning disability around the country, then tell government what’s working well, or not, for people.
Last week I had no time to look at the reforms. First, I had to sort out two health issues, those are another story. Then I found out my Council Tax support has dropped loads, with no explanation. One of my clever support workers has been helping me email them to understand why, but the responses have left us more confused than ever. I simply want to know why I must pay so much more, and how I’m supposed to pay it, in a way that I can understand. Is the increase a mistake? Are other people with a learning disability affected? This week I’ll be working on getting it sorted, and making sure others don’t have the same worry as I’m having right now.
The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff
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