I want like to argue that rather than demanding disabled people keep their benefits and remain dependent burdens of society, we should instead go to the next step and start campaigning for equal pay for disabled people.
Like equal pay for woman, this is a complex concept as what I am suggesting is that disabled people should be paid properly for their contributions to society. I have worked hard for 20 years with many organisations and sitting on many committees where almost everyone else around that table to being paid to be there.
As a disability consultant, I am so often expected to work for free because “it helps me”, as disabled people are consulted again and again with no pay by systems that profit from them. If I was paid for all the work I did comparable to my non-disabled middle class peers, I would be a very happy person. I would not need to worry about benefits.
So we must start saying no to the charity model many user led organisation have accepted and start demanding equal pay for disabled people to move the agenda away from just being about the welfare state.
If you like what I say, have a look at my site at www.simonstevens.com or follow me on twitter, @simonstevens74, or even leave me feedback on +44 (0)121 364 1974 or email simon@simonstevens.com
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