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Disability Travel wheelchair

Border Control Horror Stories: The Degrading Treatment of People with Disabilities

Crossing international borders can be an anxiety-inducing experience for anyone. For individuals with disabilities, however, the process often escalates into a distressing ordeal that infringes upon dignity, induces humiliation, and highlights systemic inequities. Across the globe, people with visible and invisible disabilities encounter discriminatory practices, racism, and unwarranted assumptions at border controls, transforming an already challenging process into a deeply degrading experience.

Brown & Cream Image Depicting Mental Health Awareness Text On Typewriter Paper. Image Created by PhotoFunia.com

The Impact of Mental Health on Suicidal Thoughts and the Risks of Financial Sanctions

Mental health conditions significantly elevate the risk of suicidal ideation. Studies reveal that individuals suffering from mental health disorders are disproportionately affected, with nearly 90% of those who die by suicide having a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death. In the UK, this alarming reality intersects with socio-economic pressures, such as financial sanctions imposed by Universal Credit, which may exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and desperation for those already struggling with their mental health​.

Liz Kendell’s New DWP Jobcentre Rules

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently introduced new rules for Jobcentre interactions, sparking widespread concern among claimants of Universal Credit (UC), Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). These changes, which aim to streamline processes and increase claimant engagement, have left many feeling anxious about their financial security and the additional burdens imposed by these policies.

The Welfare Cap

The welfare cap, a policy designed to limit the total amount of benefits a household can claim, has sparked intense debate regarding its fairness and real-world impact on people living in poverty.

Universal Credit and Mental Health Deterioration

Universal Credit, intended to streamline welfare support, has become a source of severe emotional distress for many, especially those with mental health conditions, disabilities, or those juggling multiple responsibilities like caring, self-employment, and education. The system’s requirements often push claimants into situations that worsen their mental health, with frequent threats of sanctions and unrealistic task demands creating a cycle of anxiety and fear.

Coercion into Employment for Disabled and Self-Employed

Governments sometimes employ coercive measures to ensure that citizens are actively seeking work, increasing their working hours, or attending mandatory appointments—sometimes without considering an individual’s personal circumstances, including disability or self-employment. Such coercion can often infringe on a number of human rights and statutory protections.