We are a long way from treating those with disabilities as equal citizens, according to the Huffington Post. Because so many disabled people are disconnected from everyday life, and especially from those who write for the media, their voices are not often heard.
If you know someone with a disability or have one yourself, speak up about disabilities and their effects. Let writers and pundits know when they distort the facts or make false associations or assumptions.
The Huffington Post article said that recently, the national media have been far too eager “to throw those with disabilities under the bus.” The recent growth of those receiving Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is seen as an outgrowth of cultural selfishness. The disabled are often portrayed as lazy opportunists.
But the truth is far from such stereotypes. Even though there are more than 50 million people with a cognitive or physical disability in the United States, only 8.7 million disabled workers receive SSDI. And the average monthly benefit is only a little more than $1000.
If you or someone you know needs help with Social Security Disability benefits, contact the SSD benefit lawyers at Newlin Disability.