June 27th, 2007
The Editor
A recent Guardian Commentary resurrected some of the negative stereotypes of the past, quoting “Social Services, on the other hand, deals with the failures and fall-outs from all other social systems, beginning with dysfunctional families and going on to where health, education, attorney general (corrections), and community services have failed.” In one sentence, John Eldon Green has characterized those on social services as “failures”. “fall-outs”, “dysfunctional”, and rejects from prison. I cannot imagine a more negative portrayal by someone who is credited with being the father of modern social services on PEI. What is he thinking?
This is so far from the truth it is an affront to people who need social assistance to survive. For PEI’s disability community, social assistance is often the only way they survive from month to month.
Take for instance MM (identity concealed for privacy). MM has two university degree’s, her last one a Masters. She has taught at universities here and away. She raised two children now in their 20’s both studying for professional careers. MM is the very model of a middle class intellectual / professional. She should be dining on the bounty of all that is good in Canadian Society.
However, MM developed Chron’s disease which is a disabling condition. Unable to work, she has joined the under-class of PEI society – Islanders with disabilities living in poverty. As she puts in “I can join you for coffee but I can’t afford to buy one.” MM eats at the Upper Room whenever she can, which is difficult considering the sensitivity of her gastro-intestinal system. A talented, intelligent and witty person, MM is forced by the social services system to scratching for her supper on all too often a basis. Despite this MM works at her art, volunteers to help others, and is an encouragement to many.
Next let’s consider TT, a once successful fashion designer stricken with Muscular Dystrophy. TT had a career with a job and her own business in the Toronto fashion world. At 30 she was struck with the neuro-muscular disease MD. She was forced to leave her busy company and work. Her marriage failed.
Her strength failing, TT can work on the computer for short periods with one hand. Money is extremely tight. She says “Food money in the 4th week of the month is a worry. We don’t have enough money.” Despite this she is an active volunteer for several groups and is one of the cheeriest people you can meet.
Disability is no respecter of persons, degrees, family background or personal morals. Disability just happens to one in seven Islanders despite all the best precautions. If you are one of PEI’s 19,000 Islanders with a disability, you are not any of those negative labels mis-applied by John Eldon Green.
Most people are living one or two paychecks away from financial disaster. Imagine the consequences of losing your job and income forever due to a disability. You are making $50,000 and poof you are making $12,000 with Canada Pension. Poverty is not a pleasant experience.
If you are working, make sure you have Long Term Disability Insurance. The chances you will need it are one in seven, much better than winning the lottery.
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