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Does Iain Duncan Smith really think disabled people are less ‘normal’? Does Iain Duncan Smith really think disabled people are less ‘normal’?
(about 17 hours later)
What’s normal? It’s a good question, and as in all matters, my default is to ask: what does Iain Duncan Smith think?What’s normal? It’s a good question, and as in all matters, my default is to ask: what does Iain Duncan Smith think?
Luckily, the work and pensions secretary was back in the House of Commons today, and used the time to publicly clarify that not having a disability is “normal”.Luckily, the work and pensions secretary was back in the House of Commons today, and used the time to publicly clarify that not having a disability is “normal”.
“I think the figure is now over 220,000 … ” Duncan Smith said, as he ran through the government’s record on getting more disabled people back into work. “But the most important point is that we are looking to get that up to the level of normal, non-disabled people who are back in work.”“I think the figure is now over 220,000 … ” Duncan Smith said, as he ran through the government’s record on getting more disabled people back into work. “But the most important point is that we are looking to get that up to the level of normal, non-disabled people who are back in work.”
Yes, it is important to bring disabled people up to the level of “normal” people. Similarly, I often think it would be wonderful to bring the competence and empathy of the secretary of state for work and pensions up to the level of a trained chimp.Yes, it is important to bring disabled people up to the level of “normal” people. Similarly, I often think it would be wonderful to bring the competence and empathy of the secretary of state for work and pensions up to the level of a trained chimp.
Related: Iain Duncan Smith calls people without a disability 'normal'Related: Iain Duncan Smith calls people without a disability 'normal'
Why would Duncan Smith use such insulting, damaging language? You could argue that words are complex, messy things and, like all of us have at some point, he simply muddled them up. Or, to be less forgiving, that what Duncan Smith said gives us an insight into his underlying thoughts on disabled people.Why would Duncan Smith use such insulting, damaging language? You could argue that words are complex, messy things and, like all of us have at some point, he simply muddled them up. Or, to be less forgiving, that what Duncan Smith said gives us an insight into his underlying thoughts on disabled people.
It is not as if there was much of a mask to slip. Fundamental errors in how he understands disability are the backbone to any policy he oversees.It is not as if there was much of a mask to slip. Fundamental errors in how he understands disability are the backbone to any policy he oversees.
What is notable about him using the words “normal” people and “disabled people” in the Commons is not only that he said it, but what he was advocating at the time: forcing up to one million more disabled people off benefits and into jobs. Duncan Smith still gave no hints as to how the people assessed as physically or psychological unable to work are now meant to do that very thing, or who the employers are who are suddenly willing to hire them. When he launched the policy last month, he did so by decrying the “sickness benefit culture in this country” – as if vomiting through the morning meeting is a lifestyle choice envious healthy workers are now copying from cancer patients or people with Parkinson’s, like the new season’s fashion. What is notable about him using the words “normal” people and “disabled people” in the Commons is not only that he said it, but what he was advocating at the time: forcing up to one million more disabled people off benefits and into jobs. Duncan Smith still gave no hints as to how the people assessed as physically or psychologically unable to work are now meant to do that very thing, or who the employers are who are suddenly willing to hire them. When he launched the policy last month, he did so by decrying the “sickness benefit culture in this country” – as if vomiting through the morning meeting is a lifestyle choice envious healthy workers are now copying from cancer patients or people with Parkinson’s, like the new season’s fashion.
Fundamental errors in how he understands disability are the backbone to any policy he overseesFundamental errors in how he understands disability are the backbone to any policy he oversees
This is a politician who has overseen a disability benefit assessment that last year was proven to cause damage to your health – where more than 60% of the disabled or chronically people put through the Department for Work and Pensions’ “fit for work” test are in pain afterwards, others reporting their condition was made worse or their recovery delayed. This is a politician who has overseen a disability benefit assessment that last year was proven to cause damage to your health – where more than 60% of the disabled or chronically ill people put through the Department for Work and Pensions’ “fit for work” test are in pain afterwards, others reporting their condition was made worse or their recovery delayed.
This is a man who has watched thousands of people with degenerative conditions – conditions that by definition can only get worse – be classified as ready to prepare to get back to work (and accordingly be denied the full version of their benefits and be liable for sanctions). This is a man who has watched thousands of people with degenerative conditions – that by definition can only get worse – be classified as ready to prepare to get back to work (and accordingly be denied the full version of their benefits and be liable for sanctions).
Under his watch, the department designed to support disabled and chronically people has had to publicly list how many of them are dying. Under his watch, the department designed to support disabled and chronically ill people has had to publicly list how many of them are dying.
Am I disgusted that on one afternoon Iain Duncan Smith spoke of disabled people as if they are less than other people? I am more disgusted that, through five years into a decade of power, that is exactly how he treats us.Am I disgusted that on one afternoon Iain Duncan Smith spoke of disabled people as if they are less than other people? I am more disgusted that, through five years into a decade of power, that is exactly how he treats us.