Parents with a disability
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Money matters
Everyone needs money to live. Parents with a disability often find making ends meet a constant battle. People with disabilities can find it very difficult to get regular, well paid work because of their disability and society’s attitude that people without disabilities are the best workers. Parents with physical disabilities are burdened with the job of finding affordable and suitable accommodation for themselves and their children, and the added expense of home modifications, wheelchairs, and attendant and personal care, essentials that combine to stretch the budget to the limit! Add the ordinary costs of having a child to feed, dress and educate and life becomes a real struggle for a parent with a disability!
Governments do not recognise parents with a disability are a target group that should receive additional financial support because of their double disadvantage. This means you will need to push and persist to get your financial needs met. Dealing with government authorities is challenging, but necessary and worthwhile. You will need to inform government agencies of your special needs, and self-advocate to get as much financial support as you can.
Be prepared for the knock backs and the reality that you may not get all you need. If you feel that you have been denied the financial support you are entitled to because you are a parent with a disability, then this may amount to discrimination and you should complain. See the services listed in the Information and Advocacy section.
Despite these hurdles, there are a range of services that can provide you with financial assistance and material aid. Some of these are listed in the database.
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