Personal story of a family member who lives under the poverty line due to disability

Pic by psab

NJN Editor – I received this email that clearly states the plight of a person living with disabilities. The details are different, but the results are the same for tens of millions of people living below the poverty line because they are disabled.

Anonymous  – I accepted your (Facebook) friend request a week or so ago, not really knowing who you were or anything, but I’ve always been into meeting new people so I didn’t think much of it. This morning I was browsing through PEI related videos on YouTube and stumbled across what you were doing for people with disabilities, as well as your musical-related videos. 

Both are of great interest to me as I am an independent musician, and my younger sister has had to deal with a lot of the bullshit hassles of being disabled on PEI. Due to her particular disabilities (aspergers syndrome, as well as depression and severe anxiety disorder), the government claims she does not qualify as being disabled enough to receive disability benefits.

As a result of their stupid classifications for what is a “legitimate” disability, she is forced to live on the standard welfare program.

After the group home she lives in takes their cut, although legitimate as they are non-profit and provide lodging and food, she receives roughly $100 a month for all other expenses. This includes her internet (she has a hard time communicating competently face-to-face), all of her hygiene products, taxis as she cannot drive, craft supplies (she is an amazing artist), and pretty much everything else.

She usually must scrounge and save every penny, and may need to start looking for a part-time job, even though her fragile mental condition makes it difficult for her to associate with strangers.

I’d just like to say how much I appreciate what you are doing to help the disabled, as well as trying to make this “democratic” government responsible for their actions. Keep on fighting the good fight my friend!

Signed Anonymous