We’re Seen as Nothing
People with disabilities are too often rendered invisible—not seen, not heard, and certainly not believed.
Our existence is questioned, our voices dismissed, and our needs ignored. We’re treated like our struggles are exaggerated, our pain is inconvenient, and, honestly, our presence is just a burden. Do we not deserve dignity? Do we not deserve to be respected and included? Do we not bleed?
Let’s talk about how healthcare providers treat people on disability. Specifically, those on social assistance disability versus those on insurance-backed disability from their workplace. Spoiler: it’s not the same. If you’re on social assistance disability, you’re the bargain-bin patient nobody wants.
Here’s the deal: providers often have the option to not take social assistance disability clients. Why? Because they don’t get paid the full amount for the services they provide. Take dentists, for example—they only get about 30% of what they’d normally charge. I mean, if you’re a successful business owner, why settle for 30% when you can get 100% from someone else? And so, we’re left scrambling to find care, while others get gold-star treatment.
Chiropractic care? Forget it—it’s not covered. Doesn’t matter that it could help manage and prevent a variety of conditions. Psychotherapy? Nope. But, don’t worry, they’ll happily pay for your taxi to and from a session they refuse to cover. Make it make sense.
I’ve even been told flat-out, “No, we don’t cover therapies.” Oh, cool, so you’ll pay for me to physically get there, but the actual help I need? Not your problem. It’s like dangling a carrot just to remind me I’m not worth the cost.
The system is built to make us feel like nothing—like our lives and our health don’t matter. And honestly? That’s the part that stings the most.
Thanks for reading this my Lovelies
N.A.Z.
Just Mai 2 Cents 