I used to work as a Volunteer Coordinator at a self-help, peer support organization. There is a volunteer there who is physically disabled. She has Fibromyalgia, and is thus in great pain most of the time. She uses a walker, but she really needs a wheelchair. When I left there to go back to school this Fall, she was in the process of getting one. Wheelchairs are apparently very expensive, and she is on disability which complicates things for her.
One of the things that helps her a lot is being able to volunteer at this particular organization. Getting out of the house, being able to interact with other people, and helping others through her volunteer work greatly improves the quality of her life, while not taxing her physically. She experiences less depression and isolation as a result of this work. However, the policy at Winnipeg’s Handi-Transit renders this basically irrelevant. During the summer months, she cannot use their services because, technically, she can walk.
It doesn’t matter that the trek from her apartment to the bus stop is excruciatingly painful for her. They see her walking, and that is enough for them to deny her use of this service. But what they don’t see are the tears in her eyes when she arrives at the organization where she volunteers, because of the pain. So much pain, she is practically ready to go home as soon as she arrives.
According to Winnipeg’s Handi-Transit website, she does appear to be ineligible, based on the fact that she does not currently use a wheelchair or a scooter, and she can walk with her walker. She has done due diligence to provide them with a doctor’s note, and while I was at that organization, I also wrote to Handi-Transit on her behalf. Since pain cannot be measured or seen, this decision was made for her based upon what could be seen. This is quite paternalistic in nature, which is typical of a neo-conservative viewpoint according to (Mullally, 2007, p. 81).
Neoconservative thought is concerned with deciding who deserves support and who does not. An example of this thinking was written about on the CBC news website:
During the 2004 campaign, (Ralph) Klein said two AISH recipients who approached him about the allowance "didn't look severely handicapped" and that his government would weed out the "undeserving" people abusing the system.
When pressed on the issue, the former premier lashed out that "severely normal" people didn't want to talk about AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped).
When you don’t have a disability, and it’s not a regular part of your life, it’s quite easy to be dismissive about those who do. It sounds like Mr. Klein considers himself “severely normal”. Indeed…
In line with this perspective is the concern about those who might abuse the Handi-Transit system. However, this is also a concern for individuals with a disability because this is a finite service, and therefore, if someone is abusing it when they really could otherwise provide transportation for themselves, it does create problems of availability for those who truly depend on it. A fairly recent article in the Winnipeg Free press attempted to address both sides of this issue, stating that “there's no doubt that criteria remains one of the biggest problems facing the transportation service.” Clearly, there are people who fall between the cracks of Winnipeg’s Handi-Transit eligibility policy.
Hopefully, my friend, the volunteer at the organization I mentioned, will finally be able to get her wheels, and therefore will qualify for Handi-Transit soon.
~Bambi~
~Bambi~
References
CBC News (2011) AISH change will help workers with disabilities: Stelmach. Date retrieved October 11, 2011 from http://www.cbc.ca/canada/albertavotes2008/story/2008/02/06/tory-aish.html
Mullaly, R. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada.
Winnipeg Free Press (2011) Abuse of Handi-Transit services rankles users. Date retrieved October 11, 2011 from http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/abuse-of-handi-transit-services-rankles-users-110334424.html
Winnipeg Transit (2011) Eligability Criteria. Date retrieved October 11, 2011 from http://winnipegtransit.com/en/handi-transit/who-can-use-handi-transit/eligibility-criteria/
I believe that transportation (as well as other services) which are designed specifically for persons with disabilities are fantastic, although I think the system should be more structured so that those who are not disabled do not abuse the system.
ReplyDeleteI know, even when I am out and I see someone park in front of a handicap ramp with their flashers on, all I can think of is what if, right at that moment, someone needs to use it? Some people can be absolutely inconsiderate and selfish, and I wish there was some way to make sure that the services offered to people with disabilities were not abused.
Alyssa
This is a very sad story, and it is a perfect example of the neo-conservative view about who is deserving and who is undeserving of the services offered. It is funny to think that a political stance that views independence as one of the major values of society does not help people who are trying to be independent in doing so. What do you think that they are trying to avoid with these limitations, and with this contradiction to their ideals and values, what do you think that their solution to your friend's problem would be?
ReplyDeleteLeah
It is so frustrating to think that some people do abuse the system. They are ignorant of the fact that their decisions have a direct effect on those that actually need the services. I would say that Winnipeg needs more Handi Transit services (as well as other similar services) available so that people are not turned away based upon someone's definition of a person in need.
ReplyDeleteMorgan
I understand that there has to be limitations placed on who can apply for things like disability services and in this case, a wheelchair. However, I also think it is so frustrating for the people like your friend that, in the meantime while she is waiting for a chair(and while there is no visual prompt for an outsider to think that she may have physical limitations),that there are no steps that can be taken to make her commute easier. It seems so silly that only when she gets her chair will Handi-Transit recognize that she may need assistance.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Morgan that more services should be available in Winnipeg. I hope that when your friend gets her wheelchair Handi-Transit will be able to help her out, and it will be a convenient mode of transportation for her.
Kelsey
Good post, Bambi. I wonder who actually goes to the trouble of "abusing" Handi-Trans. I don't know enough about Winnipeg's system, but in some other cities, there are often long waits, the timing is unreliable, which can create problems if you are going to work, to a medical appointment, etc. Add our Canadian winter weather to that... Who would want to use this system if you didn't have to? There are more convenient and faster ways of getting around.
ReplyDeleteI have a family member with fibromyalgia and I know that people with this disability are not always eligible for programs that they need, for some of the reasons you mention.
Nicely done. We always need to think about how policies designed to help people can have an unequal impact on certain members of the group.
It is so ridiculous that the Handi-Transit service would turn her away because she is not in a wheel chair. Do they not see the agony in her face and in her demeanour... Personally, I feel even those who may use a walker obviously have difficulty from getting to point A to B and they too should be allowed to use the Handi Transit. Policy makers regarding the Handi Transit should also take into consideration (if they don't already)peoples economic status. As in your friends case, she cannot afford one. I hope all goes well and she gets the treatment she deserves!!
ReplyDelete-Stephanie M.
Excellent post Bambi. My dad who is disabled (blind) also uses hand-transit. I have seen first hand many flaws that their program has. Including long waits, strict rules, and deciding who is deserving of this service and who isn't. It is very unfortunate that this program makes it difficult for people who need there services to access it. I believe Handi-Transit should listen to the voices of the people they are serving and create new polices with the information they gather. I hope in your friends case that she appeals their decision, and can bring to light some of the flaws of this system.
ReplyDelete- Marcia M.