We are all unique in our own way.
But not everyone grows up in the same circumstances.
What we take for granted is that we expect everyone to be born healthy. But many people have a disability or illness they struggle with.
But that doesn’t make their lives any less worth living. It just means that everyday things happen differently, and these people are somewhat more dependent on others.
For Brit Kevin Donnellon, life started very differently than most people.
Kevin was born without legs and arms due to Thalidomide. This is a drug that affects pregnant women, putting them at risk of giving birth to a limbless baby.
In the United Kingdom, there are about 2,000 people living with the effects of using this dangerous drug. Only five hundred of them will reach the age of 50.
Forced to prove they can’t work
Today, Kevin is 58 years old and lives on a pension because he is unable to work.
Kevin earned a postgraduate degree and has devoted his life to working with adults with learning difficulties.
But it has been a long time since Kevin had a job.
“My last job was 15 years ago. My health has deteriorated a lot since then. I have severe pain from the prosthetics I used to wear. They weren’t of such good quality back then. I also have type 2 diabetes,” he tells The Mirror.
Criticism of the government:
“Focus on people with disabilities”
But Kevin says he now has to prove to the government that he can’t work.
“It seems the government is targeting people with disabilities. I have many friends with disabilities. They are scared when they receive such a letter and read that they won’t receive benefits anymore,” says Kevin.
“I have had to fill out such a form twice before. Now a third time. What a nice Christmas.”
The forms keep coming and the government now wants to see proof of why he can’t work.
“It’s not like I suddenly grew arms and legs, right?” says Kevin.
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