I have had a mixed day online. I’ve had a Canary writer make fun of my disability via sub tweets. I’ve also had amazing warrior disabled writers form a mini movement to help each other get work in a society that too often shuts really talented people out. 1/
It sounds really trite but I honestly don’t know why people aren’t more kind to each other in this space. I never engage with Twitter beefs - there are few things less important - but inevitably people tag you so you see it. And even with thick journo skin, it affects you. 2/
(To be clear, it was mocking how I use my disability benefits, that I was well enough (and could afford) to go to uni, and that I’ve never had a fit for work test myself - no one was making fun of the fact I use a wheelchair.) 3/
Anyone who’s disabled knows, of course, you cling every day to the joy of work and the fear it could end. This year I wrote publicly about being on a ventilator. Saying I don’t “understand” people I write about because I’ve not yet had to have a WCA is kind of a low blow. 4/
I know how lucky I am to be able to work, even if it’s just a couple of hours a day. I know how lucky I am to have been to uni, espec. when disabled and w/c. I also know disabled people are too often shamed for managing to accomplish things. Or shamed for not doing. 5/
I don’t care about the tweeter. Once I had a good old tired cry, I don’t feel too anxious about the words. But I do care that this is how some people want to treat each other. Particularly fellow disabled people. Worst still, that it’s dressed up as being for disabled people. 6/
So in sum: please share this thread of a load of fantastic disabled writers trying to build careers around their health. Because that’s something to be proud of! And we should support each other! 7/
Oh and for the record, I don’t spend my disability benefits on “taxis to Waitrose.” I spend it on gin. ENDS/
