why do i identify as disabled?


because
there is no way i could work enough every month to sustain myself and so, i need to be medically labelled as "disabled" to have access to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). still, needing the label medically is different from identifying as disabled.


because
as i reclaim the label, i feel less isolated and more part a community.


because
besides the violence held in the concept of "disability" itself, there is a lot of stigma and discrimination and patronization associated with disability and most people with disabilities live in poverty with a lot of their rights infringed and i want to fight for these rights.


because
the current Ontario government is currently changing our social assistance system with no respect for these rights
and i find it crucial to fight against these changes.