Do you believe someone on disability can still be a great value to society?

[IHaveRespawned]

I am 31 years old and collect Social Security Disability. I have held 25 jobs in a span of 15 years, and by age 30 I called it quits looking for conventional work and now I collect disability benefits and receive Medicare.

In the meantime, I enjoy gardening with occasional web development projects that help produce a little additional income.

In addition, I have been fighting for our fire and emergency services here in my state as these vital services are struggling to remain afloat. I was very instrumental in the passage of SB1900/HB2428 which makes assault on firefighters and EMS personnel a minimum of a Class E Felony. We were only one of few states where it wasn't a felony offense to assault a first responder other than a law enforcement officer. I brought attention to the issue, appeared on the news, and communicated with lawmakers. As it stands today, it has been transmitted to the governor for his signature!

Yes

No

See poll

[ChiTown33]

Yes, And It sounds like you're PROVING that. I've never gotten any kind of legislation brought before the Govenor.

[RavVid]

Very well done! People like you make a community and a society.

[RavVid]

thanks for a mho.

[exitseven]

okay, things are not going so good right now. You have many skills and talents that still have value. Try to work towards that.

[IHaveRespawned]

My best approach is self employment, but I struggle to get off the ground running with that. Let's be real here: I have never been able to hold down traditional employment, at least not for a duration of at least a year. 5 months here. 6 months there. Three months here... I usually end up getting fired for some obscure reason mentioned on my termination paperwork.

[exitseven]

@IHaveRespawned You have to get past this. Try to figure out what the real reason is. Are you not performing your duties well enough?, do you come in late and leave early?, are you argumentative? do you treat the boss with respect? Work on yourself. Nobody can do it for you.

[IHaveRespawned]

I have maxed out my trial work period. If I make above a certain amount of money this time, I risk losing my SSDI and it is difficult to get back on once it is lost. I am struggling with health issues right now. If I lose my Medicare and fired from a job with unemployment gaps, I would be uninsured in a state of psychosis and a threat to public safety. That is not a good mix.

[strateguy632]

"great value"? obviously handicap "contribute less" so we are humane to help those who can't contribute. but if they can contribute, then not contributing is bad.

[msc545]

Maybe, depends on what you're able to do. I hope you can take care of yourself, because the right wing here will let you starve to death before they give you a dime

[Agape93]

Depends on the disability and what can be contributed by them.

[Mike_Hum]

What's your disability?

[Cidknee]

Of course they can.