A disability should not define one’s identity

All disabilities are not made equal. Some days, getting out of bed is far easier than the day before, or far more painstaking. Just like your body aches more some mornings than others, people with disabilities experience these same waves in ability.

Government benefits are means-tested, which, in theory, sounds crucial to the well-being of our federal budget. Means-tested implies that only the people who need benefits will get them, and there are people applying for benefits who do not deserve them. Meanstested has the implication that if people with disabilities have improvement in their mobility and lower pain levels once in a while, this somehow justifies having their disability status questioned. Which then leads to repeated evaluations — once again putting one’s dignity on the back burner.

The Social Security Administration has made no moves to retract its proposed rule change that threatens the benefits and lives of our disability community (Jan. 22 letter, “Benefit Cuts Threaten Disability Community”). The Americans with Disabilities Act turns 30 years old this year, and our country has yet to meet its promise to build, maintain and grow an inclusive society. We live in a society of increasing labels and legislation to limit another’s access to community and belonging. Having a disability is only one part of my identity. I belong.

BILL McDOWELL

North Side