Ableism And How It Impacts People With Long-Term Disabilities In Florida
Living with long-term disabilities can feel like an endless struggle. Between the challenges in performing routine tasks, difficulties in dealing with doctors, and obstacles in getting the long-term disability benefits you may be entitled to, it is easy to get frustrated. Unfortunately, ableism likely plays a role in your problems. Our Orlando long-term disability lawyer explains what it is and how it can impact your life and your rights to disability payments.
What Is Ableism?
The use of the word ‘ableism’ is a trendy new term relevant to people who suffer long-term disabilities in Florida. Healthline defines ableism as any type of bias, prejudice, or attitude of discrimination directed at people who suffer disabilities.
Ableism can show up in how people talk to you and their general attitude. Examples of ableism that often impact people with long-term disabilities include:
- Having your condition and your symptoms doubted or downplayed by your doctor;
- Having to jump through hoops to get needed medical care;
- Being refused reasonable accommodations on your job;
- Facing doubts from family or friends about your condition and the severity of your disabilities.
Unfortunately, ableism can also arise when applying for long-term disability benefits. Claims administrators and others you deal with may make unreasonable demands, require excessive documentation, or otherwise make it harder to get the benefits you are otherwise entitled to.
Protecting Yourself Against Ableism When You Suffering Long-Term Disabilities
Ableism has nothing to do with being overly sensitive or wanting special treatment as a result of long-term disabilities. It does involve defending your rights and making sure you get the level of care and services you are otherwise entitled to.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that ableism is a common problem in the medical community that compromises the quality of care people with long-term disabilities receive. It also rears its head when applying for long-term disability benefits in Florida. These may be available through your employer or the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The goal should be to ensure that people who need these benefits get them in the quickest and easiest manner possible. Unfortunately, the process for filing a claim is lengthy and complex, and many applications are denied or delayed. To protect yourself, follow these steps:
- Be aware of your rights when it comes to long-term disability benefits by reviewing eligibility guidelines through your employer or the SSA;
- Request reasonable accommodations at places you go and document if your request is refused;
- Avoid ableist self-talk and remember: you matter and would perform certain types of work or engage in certain activities if you did not suffer a long-term disability.
Contact Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer And Request A Consultation Today
Farrell Disability Law acts as a strong legal advocate on the side of those with long-term disabilities in Florida. We provide the caring support and comprehensive legal service you need to get the benefits you are entitled to. Call or contact us online and request a consultation in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Sources:
healthline.com/health/what-is-ableism
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9072618/
ssa.gov/disability
