Half-blind woman crippled with back pain killed herself after benefits bosses stopped her disability payments - following a TWO MINUTE assessment

so. the daily fail printed this. I didn't want to give them more bandwith and they aren't accepting comments...

• Jacqueline Harris, 53, was told she was fit to return to work
• Widow was partially sighted and only able to walk with the aid of sticks
• Christine Norman claims benefits ruling drove her sister to kill herself

By Lucy Crossley
PUBLISHED: 16:11, 25 November 2013 | UPDATED: 17:31, 25 November 2013

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A partially-sighted woman who suffered crippling back pain killed herself after her disability benefits were stopped following an assessment lasting just two minutes, it has been claimed.
Despite being in almost constant agony, Jacqueline Harris, 53, was told she was fit for work following a Government health assessment.
Ms Harris's sister claims that the ruling drove the former nurse, from Kingswood, Bristol, to take her own life.

Tragic: Half-blind Jacqueline Harris, who suffered crippling back pain, killed herself after her disability benefits were stopped, it has been claimed

Widow Ms Harris was only able to walk with the aid of sticks after she suffered slipped discs in her back and neck.
She was also unable to use one wrist properly after she was later attacked by a dog.
Her sister Christine Norman, 57, says arthritic Ms Harris was asked just one question in the lightning-speed assessment, carried out by private firm Atos Healthcare.
Mrs Norman said: 'They asked her one question - "Did you get here by bus?".
'Jacqueline replied with one fateful word - "yes".

'She hadn't even had the chance to take her coat off.
'Jacqueline said couldn't do it anymore and that no-one was listening to her and no-one cared. She told me she couldn't work and that nobody believed her.
'She just wanted her benefit so she could have avoided the pressure of work - it wasn't a massive amount of money.'
Ms Harris suffered from arthritis in her neck and back and her pain worsened after an unsuccessful operation on her neck last year.
She was left in agony every time one of her arms was touched, while bones from her hand had to be removed after she was attacked by a dog.

Anger: Christine Norman says her sister Ms Harris committed suicide after being put under pressure by the Government to return to work

Ms Harris had received incapacity benefit but late last year was asked to attend a fitness-to-work assessment in order to claim its replacement - Employment and Support Allowance.
After she spent two hours struggling on two different buses to get to the centre run by Atos Healthcare her appointment lasted just two minutes.
In January her benefits were stopped.
Mrs Norman, a nurse, said: 'If she was addicted to alcohol or drugs, she would have been given a sick note.
'Being a nurse and a health professional I am so disappointed - anyone could see she wasn't fit to work. She would have loved to have had a job but couldn't.
'How much grief, pain and anguish do you have to go through before they realise?'
Ms Harris had contested the ruling and her first appeal against the decision failed.
A second Department for Work and Pensions tribunal hearing in Cardiff was due to take place on November 15.
However, Ms Harris was found dead at her home on November 2, having taken a suspected overdose.
Paying tribute to her sister, who lost her husband Brian six years ago, Mrs Norman said: 'She was gregarious and loved dogs, and music and to boogie as much as her back would allow.
An inquest into Ms Harris' death has been opened and adjourned.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said: 'Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mrs Harris during what must be a very difficult time.
'A decision on whether someone is well enough to work is taken following a thorough assessment and after consideration of all the supporting medical evidence.
'Through a series of independent reviews and by working with medical experts and charities, we have considerably improved the work capability assessment process since 2010 to make it fairer and more accurate.'
An Atos spokeswoman said: 'Our sympathies go out to Ms Harris's family.
'Atos Healthcare carries out assessments on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions and under its guidelines.
'But we do not make decisions on people's benefit entitlement, nor are we involved in the appeal process.'

For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch or click here.

Disabled and pregnancy. not 2 words you often hear together.

 I am disabled. I now have a new label to waft around. I am 'pregnant'. As any new Mum, I feel like I need a bit of help and advice, so I thought I would turn to amazon and find one of those nice fluffy mummy books about my situation. However, this was not to be.

So, in my curiosity I did a search on amazon. I typed in "disability" and "pregnancy". The first book looked promising, but then when I looked at it, the book was about what midwives might encounter with a disabled mother, and not just the "simple" stuff. By book number three amazon had moved on to disabled children and not disabled mothers. (although book 2 looks interesting its more of a story book than a fact based book).

I don't think such a book exists. It doesn't seem to be the norm to be disabled and pregnant (disabled people have sex?) Certainly my midwife seemed a bit stumped, but all credit to her I am being "properly" assessed for my needs whilst pregnant and when I have baby. I don't know how someone can look into a crystal ball but I am waiting to see on this one.

I have already found this to be a fascinating journey, and I am only a few weeks into it comparatively. My first observation was at my midwife appointment. Although things were geared to what I can do, inevitably there had to be some focus on what I can't do so that it can be ascertained what help I "might" need. Although I am used to this negativity when it comes to forms such as DLA it struck me that unlike other newly expectant mothers, my status was already being called into question, albeit in a 'supportive' disguise.

I then started to look at birth options. And then I stopped. Apparently, there is a normal way to give birth, and then by definition, an abnormal one. I will not let anyone else tell me what is normal and abnormal when it comes to my birth decisions. I will not be made to feel like a freak if for reasons of impairment I can not 'achieve' a normal birth. I am really quite angry about the language surrounding this. It has made me fearful of talking to midwives and other professionals when all the NHS guidelines frame a 'natural' birth as 'normal'. I have been forced to find other, more neutral information so I can make an informed decision about what I need to do to give birth in my situation. This is going to be another interesting thing to see how it pans out.

I then have a side observation. My DLA renewal forms don't ask if I am pregnant, all the other benefit forms I have filled in do. When ringing the DWP the person had clearly never been asked this before but couldn't quite answer the question because, well obviously pregnancy and birth is going to change things, but nothing i can predict.

So, yes, I am, pregnant. And I am disabled. As you can see from above, the way I like to cope with interesting (read difficult) situations is to analyse and academicise them. It gives me some distance, and hopefully provides some more interest to whats happening.

on being horizontal...

I have spent the last few days umming and ahhing as to whether to write this blog. It puts me in a vulnerable position and reveals a lot about me and my own life. But, after consideration I felt I should write it in honour of all those who spend their days horizontal..

I first heard about people who lived their lives from a horizontal position during spartacus, out of which the term from bed activism was born. Liz Crow then took this further with her 'bedding out' activism. I have always been a very private disabled person and didn't feel able to join in with sharing me with the world. However, my recent experiences have compelled me into writing a snippet of my life.

I have spent the last three weeks in bed. horizontal and unable to function. Although this is/was a temporary position for me it has given me a great deal of respect and admiration for those who have to do this day in day out with no prospect of recovery like I have.

Having to rely on someone else to get me food, drink, entertainment, well everything and anything has taught me a lot of resilience. I am stubbornly independent and the orders that I keep giving out to people still feel like begging and forcing me to reduce myself to a lesser being somehow. To be completely dependent on someone else is, at times degrading and always difficult. I am just grateful to my husband that he has accepted the role of carer/ servant with such good grace. It makes it easier to bear somehow.

I dont pretend to know what it could be like to do this on a more permanent basis, but I have a much greater respect for those who do now. The term 'from bed activism' was just that, a term. Only now can I somewhat appreciate the sacrifice people are making to get involved and to keep fighting the government and  welfare reform whilst being unable to function themselves. Thank you.

These last few weeks have been isolating. I can't even get on to twitter for some reason that this laptop wont divulge (again my husband has swapped to my desktop so i can have his). I have been scared to reveal how bad things are to my friends for fear of sympathy, and on the rare day or 2 that I make it.. outside I want to enjoy it and not spend the time talking about not being well. lack of understanding and fear of being labelled has left me dealing with this on my own, again though I do have my husband.

I spend my days refreshing facebook, messageboards, emails, anything and everything to make me feel like I have some sort of connection to real people, the real world. I have watched every online tv show I can find to watch. I am thoroughly bored and probably a bit depressed.

But I guess thats why I am writing this. To remind myself that this is temporary, and I will get better. I hope that this doesn't come across wrong, that I am somehow 'rubbing others noses in it', but that I should be grateful that it is temporary and that I admire and deeply respect those for whom this is more permanent. I have never truely appreciated your activism and spirit until now. thank you.

My inaccessible graduation.

Firstly I must apolgise for my lack of posts recently. I have had a very busy few months. I undertook my undergraduate research project/ dissertation and managed to somehow get 85% on it. I have also just got married 2 weeks ago. Things have been a bit hectic. However, I have just found something to rant about and so here I find myself back at my blog.

It has taken me ten long years to get to this point. Every conceivable (and inconceivable) barrier has been placed in my way to get to the point where I can actually graduate with an actual proper degree. Yesterday I got confirmation from my university. I am going to graduate in november 2013 with a first class honours degree.

As you can probably imagine I am extremely excited about this prospect. Whilst some people have no interest in their graduation ceremony, I have spent the last 7 years looking at the graduands every year with envy thinking one day that'll be me. This year it should be. Until I had the audacity to request some adjustments to my graduation office.

I asked for level access to the stage (IE by a lift) or if that involved too much walking in comparison to the stairs for my husband to assist me on the stairs. I also asked for an end of aisle seat.

The reply I got has rendered me effectively disabled and barred from my own graduation. I was told that I can request an end of aisle seat whilst booking. That bit was relatively simple. However, what I thought was a relatively simple request about level access to the stage seems beyond my university to comprehend.

I was told that the lift was only suitable for wheelchair users, but they suppose they might be able to let me use it if i really needed to, and that it was impossible for my husband to assist me on the stairs but that a member of staff would be on hand to assist. I was also advised that there would be some standing around and waiting backstage.

The email seemed to assume I have some mobility related access needs which is not true. I don't see the need to relay my reasons for needing level access or a specific person to assist me on stairs during stressful occasions, I expect people to be able to just accept.

It would appear that because I am not in a wheelchair that my needs can not be accommodated, or if they will be, it will be at the reluctance of the university rather than at their pleasure. If I had received an email saying that there will be no problem with me using the lift and that they could simply place a chair on it, it would have made me feel like I was actually welcome at the ceremony.

Now, I feel unwelcome and somewhat of a second class citizen. I will be utterly distraught if I don't get my chance to walk across the stage to get my degree but at the moment I can't see a way forward.

It is just typical that the university that told me so many times that I couldn't graduate is still now refusing me that privilege even when I have every right to be there and attend.

I don't know what to do, whether there is any point in fighting this, but with my degree being in education and disability studies it would seem somewhat futile not to use the skills I have learnt to win this battle.

Disability doesn't exist in a wheelchair and sometimes people have unusual access requirements. I have known all along how bad things are at my university but I didn't expect this.

First they came for...

With the benefit cap story yesterday comes the inevitable scrounger stories and the stories (like this) from the daily mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2364718/No-benefit-child-youre-dole-Tories-unveil-controversial-welfare-plan.html

These stories completely misunderstand the point of benefits. They are not a lifestyle choice but a back up plan. They are not a cushion but a safety net. They are NOT permanent but a temporary solution.

If you consider all the stuff they have been peddling in the last few days some of their suggestions are downright ridiculous.

Teenage mums not being allowed housing benefit, or access to a flat? There no consideration of individual circumstances where this might be the only and safest option for young mums. Or even that they might be responsible enough to consider parenthood. It reduces the young single Mum to a feckless scrounger who wants to live off the state for her entire life. It is at best responding to a dangerous stereotype.

Under 25s not being allowed housing benefit? I have seen this suggestion before. Unfortunately, this would even affect graduates who find work, but a few years later it dries up and then they would become homeless. It will affect anyone, even those people who have worked from the age of 16 and then lose their jobs. It is not a well targetted idee at all. Again, all young people are obviously on benefits to get a cushy life from the state. I think someones been watching too much shameless.

The last one, and the one in the article is the 'best' though. If you have a large family then they think you shouldn't be entitled to more than 2 childrens worth of child benefit. Again, looking at the comments, it seems that people have been sucked in to the idea that all these changes are only affecting those people who haven't worked and have no intention of doing so. These people who have large families and fit into these small criteria are very few and far between, but often highlighted by the daily mail and other media outlets making them seem commonplace. Unfortunately who this will actually affect more is those people who have been working and through no fault of their own find themselves out of work. They didn't chose to have these children whilst on benefits, they didn't choose to lose their jobs. They can't simply get rid of their children when they find themselves out of work.

remember, first they came for, but I didn't speak because it didnt affect me.. or so I thought.

i am persona non grata in benefits eyes.

Last time I checked i was a real human. Not according to the benefits agency. This is pretty laughable if it wasn't true.

As of the 1st June my lovely fiance is living with me. We are currently holed up in a 1 bedroom flat with enough stuff for a two bedroom flat. But i'm sure we will get there with sorting ourselves. One of the main reasons why he is living with me before our wedding in august is because of the way the benefits system works (or doesn't).

I was on ESA, in the support group, but this was due to run out in august. In fact as he was moving in I received another ESA50. However, because I am entitled to the higher rate of care DLA he can claim carers allowance, and in turn income support. This is a couple claim, based very much on me as the cared for person.

I hate the language and suggestions of the way the benefits are set up. I am no longer anything bar the cared for person. Daniel is my carer. He is no longer my fiance, husband, partner. He is in law, my carer. This makes me feel extremely powerless and out of any control of the income we have. However, its a happy compromise becuase we both know this is just the way it has to be to get the money we need to live on and it is just benefit speak.

However, there are more serious consequences that I hadn't bargained for. I am not a person anymore. Despite the benefits being reliant on MY DLA and my status as a disabled person, and of course the fact that  I am named on the benefit, I can no longer talk to them about my benefits claim. It is completely dis empowering when I am forced to hand over the phone to my partner because (and I quote) "you don't have equal rights on the claim". As, in the eyes of the law I am no longer in receipt of means tested benefits I received a letter from the student loans company asking where my income is coming from. I presume that this could also cause complications with other secondary benefits of being on means tested benefits.

Which goes nicely round to my reason for the call. I was trying to get a proof of benefit letter for my income support claim. you know, with my name on it? Nope, we have to speak to your partner to get authorization to do that. All I can say is hurry up and get a job...

Just to add I read this article yesterday:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2013/jul/06/domestic-abusers-family-finances-new-universal-credit They are concerned about the impact of universal credit? what about the impact of the current system on abusive relationships? the couple claim is not equal now. I can't even speak to them without my partner. I am not named on my own benefit. Stuff the future, what about the now?

being an activist bride...

I find myself in a strange position. I'm getting married in a few weeks time, which whilst strange enough in itself isn't the strangest thing. Its the world I feel chucked into thats bizarre. As a bride there is a really strong stereotype and attitude that you get from society. It is consumerist, fake and very sexist, but o so easy to fall into the trap.

In a sign of rebellion and defiance when I realised I was being sucked in I had my hair cut, in a style that I liked and suited me. From that moment on, the illusion of what a wedding, and indeed a bride should be fell away to enable me to be my own bride and celebrate my love for my soon to be husband MY and our way.

I am not a princess or indeed even a girly type girl. I am very practical, down to earth and creative. However, over the course of the last 6 months I have felt like I have somehow let down the whole notion of womanhood by not wanting the perfect wedding day. Its just not me, or my groom. We are both interested in the marriage more than the wedding. Not only that we don't have the money to splash on a big fancy wedding, or the inclination to wait a while so we can save to get it.

Our wedding is dominated by practicability. My flowers are chocolate foil wrapped balls with tissue paper petals (made by me) because I have hay fever and didn't want to sneeze my way down the aisle. It also doubles up as great presents for the guests at the party. Our venue is our local church and the community room, which although small and perhaps not everyones first choice, its our church and its very cheap. My dress is £175 pounds, but although its quite a pretty (off)  white dress I am wearing flat shoes that are fair traded. My dress has been hand made by someone in the UK to my measurements. We are having jacket potatoes and toppings at our reception. Its cheap, easy to prepare and filling fod. Everything is (or at least was, perfect, at least for us) until I came to my bridesmaids.

I have 2 bridesmaids, both girls age 5 and 9. I really didn't want to make them feel uncomfortable and I didn't particularly want to dress them up like dolls. I wanted them to enjoy the day and have fun but still without the 'frills'. In someways I was reminded of times where I had to wear dresses and stuff that I didn't feel comfortable in so wanted to give them something to wear that wasn't to girly girly.

Unfortunately, my original plans fell through and I spent the last few days panicking. But, being a bit of an activist bride my panic wasn't about getting new outfits for the girls, it was more about the choice (or lack of) that there was. Every website I clicked on bridesmaids, or even girls dresses featured walls and walls and rows and rows of what I call pinkification. These girls are being groomed into being girly girls as the normal and standard. Society, consumerism, whatever you want to blame it on its there and its happening. Pinkification leads into being overly sexualised, but it comes before that.

There were no skirt and top combos for bridesmaids, or even clothes that could be used for that purpose. Everything was 'pretty' and everything was available in varying shades of pink. I felt responsible for these girls and I thought that by sticking them in pretty dresses was in someway  giving in to the stereotypes of being a girl. I wanted it to be different, I really wanted to show them that they could be pretty and beautiful without being all floaty 'pink' and overly girly, but I failed.

I fell in love with some little girl bridesmaids dresses. They were on sale, but they have butterflies on them and they are purple and a little too girly for my liking. However, the main thing is that the girls really love them (well why wouldn't they, they probably don't know much difference (not that its anyones fault)) and I am sure they will look lovely. O, and they were on sale...