Why are some "disabilities" considered "trendy" and get all the funding and assistance?

Question

I was really upset to see a news interview this week with a man who has AIDS, who admited he got it from using IV drugs, saying he receives assistance for his mortgage payment, he takes taxis everywhere that are paid for, that he doesnt have to do without anything. The AIDS association pays for his internet, bought him a computer, pays someone to do his housework, his yardwork, etc.

He is also completely mobile, not yet incapacitated by AIDS.

This really angers me, WHERE is this same support for people with MS, ALS, CP, MD, Post Polio, and other disabilities that are debilitating? No one is paying mortgages for these other disabled people, or for taxis etc. And their disabilitiy is not the result of a life style choice.

WHY does our society treat people who became disabled through choice as if they are such poor deserving "victims" while other disabled people are basically ignored and marginalized?

I dont even know what to call this kind of discrimination.

I am angry that ALL disabilties dont receive the SAME funding and assistance. My uncle had ALS, my aunt was NEVER given even one lousy day of respite, she was the one who had to lift him in and out of bed, in and out of the tub, on and off the toilet, in and out of his wheelchair, in and out of the car, etc. At least 14 times a day she had to lift him and he wasnt a small man, he was over 6 feet tall, altho thing because ALS people usually are.

She also had to do the housework, the yardwork, all the cleaning, cooking, shopping and everything else that comes with looking after a home and a disabled spouse. It was a 40 mile round trip to the doctors.

She didnt have any time or energy to work, how could she have? Who would have looked after my uncle? They really struggled financially - REALLY struggled -

THIS is IMO not fair. I saw this story on the local news where I live, and yes it Canadian.

I know the woman well who runs the AIDS assoc, she is damn good at her job.

Answer 1

Ive been wondering that too. My dad divorced my mom after he found out she had MS, and no one will hire her. We get child support and money from the veterans administration, but we're really struggling. Im sure my mom wouldnt mind haveing somone clean our house now and then like that guy.

Answer 2

This is the first time I have ever responded in this category and I have read some very interesting information here. I just wanted to thank the community who have written and shared their insight. I had no idea that some of the disabilities of which you speak had so much support. It seems that more and more we have 'drugs' for more ailments than I have ever known in my lifetime. Additionally, the disabled or challenged groups of individuals also have increased. The government can't be in a position to help everyone - as previously stated - there are groups of people who believe in causes and this is where their money goes to support.

There are some days that I go to my school as a teacher and I dread having to walk up several flights of stairs with all my bags. My knees hurt, I have "arthur" who visits regularly now. I'd love to have a special place to park - I'd love to have the elevator key- and any other special privileges that would be allowed someone in my position - but you know - I keep moving. I say to myself that I am not beat - not by a longshot and there are still some things I can do to better my situation and be healthier. So I get on it - and I pray for those who are truly disabled and challenged.

Answer 3

I wouldn't say disabilities are trendy. I'm not familiar with Aids associations doing this , I'm pretty sure this isn't the case in Canada. And if it is it'll be a surprise to most people.

On the other hand , Aids can be an awful disease , yes it can be controlled with drugs and people are living longer than they used to. Are you angry that he gets funded for behaviour he brought on himself in your opinion, while you do not recieve the same kind of funding with your disability?

This is where turf wars start between the different disability groups and that helps no one .

It's not fair that's true , but then as my dad used to say and where did you get the idea that life was fair, look around you.

I think there's more to this story than you know or you're telling us.

Answer 4

I agree.....while the person you mention in this instance certainly has his own set of circumstances to worry about. I have seen people with serious problems denied assistance and others with seemingly less problems and more going for them hit the bank. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it at all. I know a man who is on dialysis and has lost both legs among other problems and was denied a disability pension!!?? and know another woman who is taking advantage of the system and making up illnesses as she goes along(between migraines and anxiety) and get's everything handed to her.

I kept thinking that there must be more to these stories but as I watch what is happening...there doesn't seem to be. The people in charge lack something between their ears.

Then there are the working poor.....god forbid if you have something happen to your health....then the ones on welfare who get everything paid for.

While I personally have no problem with the welfare system as an idea. Because the way our society has been set up we are all suppose to fit neat and tidy into this same small box and some people don't ......some people are lazy and won't work and others are really industrious and just don't fit the mould.

I just think it's the whole big picture and the way things have been set up....over which we people seem to have no control whatsoever

Answer 5

Access to resources greatly varies according to the state a person lives in and a lot boils down to what local entities write the best grant proposals. Having access to care and resources should not be a competitive thing; A person with disabilities should have the same quality of life as anyone else has. The problem is not the people who are getting what they need; the problem is that barriers are preventing others from getting what they need as well.

Answer 6

It isn't discrimination, it is about people taking care of their own. AIDS disproportionately effects the gay community, so they do massive fundraisers to help those who have HIV. They volunteer to help each other. They have numerous charitable organizations.

That kind of same support is available from organizations that support specific disabilities. Some disabilities do not have a community of support - like polio. I've never understood why people who had polio as children didn't create and support organizations dedicated to post polio syndrome while they were still healthy and able.

CP does have organizations that this (I'm on the board of one), so does MD. I don't know about ALS.

People with disabilities are a powerful group of people if we aligned ourselves together and stopped competing against each other. What angers me is that we can't come together as a powerful group of allies and work with each other and for each other.

Answer 7

I guess I feel like everyone should get help. I'm not upset that one group gets the help that everyone should, but instead upset that not everyone gets great treatment, etc. Instead of thinking they are the enemy, instead use them to point to what good, quality care looks like. I don't think they are 'disabled by choice'...I mean, if you asked them if they would chose to have a disability, I'm sure they would say no. True, their actions led to it, but most people don't think they will get sick or anything else. They are victims just like everyone else. Everyone deserves to be cared for and taken care of when they cannot take care of themselves due to whatever reasons. All folks should have such great care...I wouldn't take it away from anyone. Also, AIDS activists are very active. They advocate for what they want and have an active base. If other disabilities were as active and as motivated and everything else, they may be able to get more services.

From my perspective, autism services in the public schools is where a lot of money goes. I am thankful that children with autism get such great services, and I advocate that all children deserve such great services. But, the parents with children with autism have been the most vocal of late and have been the one's advocating for change. I don't want to take away the excellent services they receive, but use it as a model for how to deliver services for all children. My 2 cents.

Answer 8

I know you can get a lot of assistance just for being unemployed or low income. Nothing to do with what illness you have or don't have.

There are TONS of groups that pay money to their individual cause. Jerry's Kids for example pays for tons of medical care, drugs, therapy, braces and such to folks with MS.

If there is a cause that reaches you, start a group. Join a group. This country pays you if you don't work...or can't work or are an illegal alien.

Answer 9

I think it unfair that some disabilities don't get the same support and services.

Then should send their money on how to prevent the disease.
I don't want to judge the man, but people should know there is right and wrong. The ones I feel sorry for are the woman who have it in some countries as their husbanes cheat on them. Also the money should go to the children who lot their parents.

Answer 10

i agree it is not fair, my dad had post polio and most drs dont even know how to treat it. when i tried to get help for him so he and mom would be able to eat or buy medicine or even stay in the house, there was no help any where i turned. if someone with aids is not totally incapaciateded they do not deserve all the help you listed.