Category Archives: disability

Carers are the best kind of people. So why are they treated so disgracefully?

My brother’s carer had to leave, her minimum wage not enough to survive on. My brother is heartbroken. I’m furious

The Guardian,

Swimming carer

‘There is no training course in the world that can truly prepare you for becoming a carer: it’s something you either have or you don’t.’ Photograph: Gary Calton

We lost someone important to us this weekend. My mum rang me, crying from a hotel room, after Megan had said goodbye, and what a shame it was. She didn’t want to go. We didn’t want her to go either.

Megan was my younger brother’s carer. His autism and epilepsy means he needs round-the-clock assistance. Megan had split up with her boyfriend, and the minimum wage she was being paid was not enough for her to live alone – so she has to go away, to live with her parents. My brother will not understand this: he will just see that she is gone, and miss her. But we understand it. Having witnessed the work of a succession of carers while I was growing up, I not only noticed what an incredible, noble thing it is to devote your time to looking after someone more vulnerable than you, but also how little society gives a toss about it.

East Coast Truckers’ Children’s Convoy

East Coast Truckers’ Children’s Convoy

It was a stirring tribute from the great East Anglian public that made it an extra special day for the youngsters at the heart of East Coast Truckers’ children’s convoy.

From County Hall in Norwich to Lowestoft, spectators lined the roads, hung over bridges and got out of their cars to cheer and wave as the 82 gleaming trucks rumbled past amid a cacophony of klaxons.

The smiles on the children’s faces – one to each truck – showed what it meant to them to be the centre of attention for one day.

Internet and Disability in the USA

Inequality and the Internet: Why Some Remain Offline

Your otherwise excellent article about the digital divide (“Most of U.S. Is Wired, but Millions Aren’t Plugged In,” Business Day, Aug. 19) missed an opportunity to discuss the significant digital divide between people with disabilities and those not (yet) disabled.