Could someone please explain?

It��s a funny world. Since Friday, nothing has changed: my boiler is still defunct, my car is still off the road and my �� hang on! �� my driving licence is missing! Oh, at the turn of the year, I must have taken it out of my old purse and put it somewhere so safe, that now I cannot find it. I have turned the place over, increasingly worried about my ability to keep track of small details like, ��where the hell is it��?�� Perhaps my nerves are a bit frayed by my constant pre-occupation with staying warm.

I was relieved to find that I could apply for a replacement over the phone, but then, while doing so, I was transferred to a ��medical adviser�� who repeatedly confirmed that yes, I did have to apply by post.�� To my remonstrations she was sympathetic and firm. Yes, I would have to apply, there was nothing wrong with my licence details and nothing was changed, but even so, because there was a ��medical notification�� or some such from 1997, I would have to make a written application. They would send the form out to me.

Then I phoned the insurers, who confirmed that the cost of a replacement boiler is not covered by our household or buildings insurance. The hefty premiums we have been forking out for fifteen years and never claimed on, are for what, exactly?

And I phoned Motability, who asked, was I able to make use of��the complementary vehicle on offer? Well, no, since I have to drive an adapted car �� as you would expect for such a scheme. While they put out an APB for a suitable temporary replacement, they are happy to reimburse taxi fares to medical appointments and swimming classes; if something of that sort was required, then I should keep the receipts and they would be reimbursed.

What am I to conclude from this? That the system of rules and regulations that disabled people navigate, requires them to assume that they have no disability (��we are so much more inclusive these days�� disability is so last century�� –��you aren��t really disabled�� ) while at the same time introducing pointless, time consuming and rather spurious distinctions which��appear to be��a polite way of saying, ��Since�� your differences��put you in a separate category from the��rest of us, we reserve the right to treat you differently.��You��can object��if you like, but it will make no difference��because our insurers insist upon these distinctions, which we don��t really understand, but there you are��

In extreme cases the State reserves the right to enquire about bodily functions and basic personal needs, quite oblivious of the desire for personal dignity, the rights of self-definition or social integration. They make the rules, and apply them, so that’s all right then.

Despite my desire to feel benign and un-bothered by the maze of complications and brick walls, and despite knowing that everyone faces complications, I become increasingly radicalised, which is another way of saying, disillusioned, tired and fatalistic. Is this helpful to anyone? Not sure yet.��We would prefer to be treated like other people, is all.

Have a wonderful day, and thanks for reading.

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