The answer seems yes if you read between the lines of a recent article published on the Scotland on Sunday website last weekend.
The collation government is forcing disabled people to undergo stressful and degrading assessments so they will eligible for Personal Independence Payments, the benefit which is set to replace the Disability Living Allowance.
Last week the National Autism Society Scotland expressed their concerns that Scottish people with autism aged between 16 and 64 could lose their benefits.
The UK government wants every disabled person in the United Kingdom to undergo a face-to-face assessment regardless of their condition even if they have a disability which is incurable.
A trail run of the evaluations were carried out on 60 autistic people last year, those who participated in the scheme told of their dismay that their communication abilities and their condition were overlooked.
Some of you reading this may question why an autistic person requires extra cash for their day-to-day routines, but those with the condition do need extra financial support, some need adapted shoes, some need adapted lighting and a majority of autistic people have difficulty communicating with others, which is a huge problem when it comes to face-to-face assessments.
Autism won’t go away, those with the condition have it for life – So why are the UK government forcing autistic people to be re-accessed?
National director of NAS Scotland, Dr Robert Moffat gave his view on the purposed assessments,
“We know the government is under pressure to cut costs, however they risk creating a false economy, as the loss of crucial benefits leaves people struggling and needing greater levels of support in the longer term.” He said.
Unsurprisingly a spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions tried to defend themselves by making the following reply,
“Most individuals will have a face-to-face consultation as part of their claim. This will provide an opportunity to explain how their impairment affects their everyday lives, rather than trying to self-assess through an over-complicated application form.”
In other related news Samantha Cameron is hosting an all-expensive-sparred party on Tuesday evening at 10 Downing Street for London Fashion Week!
