http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/09/when_ability_is_a_disability.html en-gb 30 Thu 31 Dec 2009 01:51:20 GMT+1 A feed of user comments from the page found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/09/when_ability_is_a_disability.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/09/when_ability_is_a_disability.html?page=15#comment3 Anybody know a way of stopping M Sarkozy of France from claiming the medals won by GB athletes during the Paralympics were 'won for Europe'. He tried it with GB Olympic medals. Tue 16 Sep 2008 15:54:55 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/09/when_ability_is_a_disability.html?page=10#comment2 The irony of the blue badge scheme for me is way you have to be medically assessed every time you apply for some disabilities but not others.I am an amputee and as such my blue badge gets renewed automatically with one click of my mouse. My friend who has CP has to be reassessed frequently to determine if he deserves his badge.I played hockey for my school and a club side alongside able bodied players. He struggles with some everyday tasks like going to do his shopping.Effectively it is discrimination against people with a disability who might get better. Not a genuine assessment of who needs assistance. Tue 16 Sep 2008 01:31:55 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/09/when_ability_is_a_disability.html?page=5#comment1 There's a similar situation for blue badges, disability benefits, help from social services... many people fall into a gap where they're too disabled to lead a 'normal' life, but not disabled enough to get any help. Mon 15 Sep 2008 11:19:23 GMT+1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olympics/2008/09/when_ability_is_a_disability.html?page=0#comment0 The Paralympics is not the only place where you can be discriminated against for being too able-bodied. I've had CP for 47 years. For the last 23.5 years i never bothered to re-new my disabled persons bus pass. The reason being that I didn't need it due to being employed but now I've been made redundant I need it. But I have to go for an assessment with an occupational threapist to determine if I'm 'eligible'. What makes it even more ludicrous is that the issuing council encourages you to get a Doctors stamp and signature on the application form but Transport for Londons guidelines to Councils state:Using an applicant's GP to verify that an individual meets the criteria for aconcessionary travel pass is regarded as an unsatisfactory arrangement for both the GP and the administrators of the scheme. The main argument against this approach is that it compromises the doctor / patient relationship. Mon 15 Sep 2008 01:42:49 GMT+1