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Disability, Employment, and SSI

Everyone needs money to live and buy necessities. However, when you’re on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the income cap can be a significant burden. If you earn some money through self-employment, your SSI check and food stamps benefits will be reduced. This becomes particularly challenging if you don’t have rental assistance like Section 8 and live paycheck to paycheck, as I do. Last year, I earned $200 each month from making YouTube tutorials 2024. However, the Social Security office reduced my monthly SSI check by $60 this year 2025, and my food stamps benefits were reduced by $45 2025. That’s half of what I earned last year. I informed the Social Security office about my struggles with paying rent, bills, and food due to the lack of rental assistance. The representative suggested that I contact the office if I faced eviction from my apartment. I responded with skepticism, questioning whether they would provide the same level of support to someone with a disabili...
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Love and Disability

Mo Bahjat July 28, 2025     Love is usually seen as something everyone can experience, no matter where they come from or what language they speak. But for people with disabilities, finding love can be difficult because of societal barriers based on wrong ideas and biases.     A big problem is the stereotypes that show people with disabilities as needing help, not interested in sex, or unable to have meaningful romantic relationships. The media often makes these ideas stronger by either ignoring the romantic lives of disabled characters or showing them in a way that doesn’t include sex. This lack of representation makes people think that love and intimacy are not normal for people with disabilities.     In many cultures, disabilities are seen as something to pity or be ashamed of, which leads to social stigma. This stigma affects not only the general public but also people who might want to date someone with a disability. They m...

The Importance of Technology

In today’s digital world, computers and smartphones are not just helpful—they are essential, especially for people with disabilities. These tools help with education, jobs, social connections, and important services, greatly improving quality of life. For those with mobility problems, speech issues, or sensory disabilities, technology helps overcome challenges that once seemed impossible. Screen readers help visually impaired people use the internet easily, voice-to-text software assists those with limited movement, and video calling apps allow people with hearing disabilities to communicate through sign language. There are also special apps that help with daily tasks, like reminding people to take medicine, providing GPS directions for wheelchair users, and offering real-time transcription services. These tools help people become more independent, boost their confidence, and fully participate in society. Also, if someone in distress and needs help, that person can ...

Dentists and Accessibility

    For people who use wheelchairs, everyday tasks can be hard because of accessibility problems. One big challenge is getting dental care. Many dental offices say they follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but for wheelchair users, the experience is often different.     The first problem is getting into the dental office. Parking spaces that are hard to reach, steep ramps, or heavy doors without automatic openers can be big obstacles. Inside, narrow hallways and small treatment rooms make it difficult to move a wheelchair.     Even if getting into the building is easy, the dental chair is another issue. Many dental chairs are not made for easy transfer from a wheelchair, and not all offices have special equipment like wheelchair lifts. This can affect the quality of care because some procedures need precise positioning that might not be possible without moving to a traditional dental chair.     ...

The Healthcare System

The healthcare system is supposed to help everyone, but it often struggles to meet the needs of people with disabilities. A big problem in many hospitals is the lack of the right equipment to give good care. This not only makes medical services worse but also makes people with disabilities feel ignored and unequal. One main issue is the lack of special medical equipment for disabled patients. For example, many doctor’s rooms do not have chairs that can be adjusted or reclined, which are important for people with mobility problems. These chairs help patients feel comfortable and allow doctors to do thorough exams without causing pain. Without them, patients might feel extra physical strain, discomfort, and even risk getting hurt during regular medical checks. Also, not having accessible diagnostic tools, like imaging machines that can be adjusted in height or scales that wheelchairs can use, can lead to wrong diagnoses and worse health outcomes. This shows that the nee...

The First Enemy of the People With Disabilities

    Stairs are a big problem for people with disabilities. They make it hard for us to be independent and enjoy a good quality of life. Stairs are not just inconvenient; they also make it difficult to access important services, join social activities, go on dates,  and find jobs. In this essay, we will look at why stairs are often seen as a major obstacle for people with disabilities.     Stairs stop people with mobility problems from moving around easily. Those who use wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches cannot go up or down stairs without help or special equipment. This can lead to feeling alone because people might avoid places with stairs, which stops them from fully joining in community activities. Without accessible paths, it can also be hard to reach healthcare centers, government offices, and other important places, making existing problems worse.      Besides, many buildings and public places do not hav...

Mental Health and Disability

In recent years, talking about mental health has become very important, showing how crucial it is for our psychological well-being. However, when we look at mental health in the context of disability, the conversation becomes even more complex and important. Understanding how disability and mental health are connected is key to creating inclusive communities, fair healthcare, and complete support systems.       People with disabilities often face a higher risk of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. This is not just because of their physical or cognitive conditions but also because of societal barriers, discrimination, and lack of accessibility. The stigma around both disability and mental health can make people feel isolated and marginalized.      Mental health support is significant for people with disabilities, but it is often ignored. Access to mental health services can be limi...