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Damaging Press Press
There was recently some damaging press sent out around disabled people having 40k vehicles due to mental health so wanted to create a post to talk about my vehicle story. My car was provided on a grant while in college since it helped me get to my studies independently and have now had it for 7 years, and it helped me get to University, work and support me on my travels.
Why I Need My Car
Cost of a Vehicle + Leasing
Before people accuse me of draining the system, I do pay for the vehicle with my Motability payment which is provided due to my severe disability. While I did get my Motability car on a grant, a lot have to pay a down payment for the vehicle that can amount to £20k+ if they require specific adaptions making getting your vehicle extremely unaffordable. Grants are only to support those who meet the criteria for financial support, i.e., for work, education or if you’re struggling financially due to circumstances.
Benefits of Motability Cars
There are many benefits to having your vehicle, especially with help from schemes like Motability. A lot of the benefits are to do with getting around since that’s what cars are designed for.
No Need to Struggle with Public Transport
One of the benefits is that my Motability car helps me get around independently since having your car means not having to battle prams and other disabled people for seating on public transportation. Lack of seating for disabled people on public transport means getting somewhere on time is very difficult with the limited seating available on buses and trains. Some jobs (like mine) also require me to travel a long distance to get to the office, so having a car means I don’t need to stress because of the lack of accessible travel.
Independent Travel
Another is independence, since if I’m outside I’m at increased risk of being targeted by opportunistic criminals, meaning I can drive to places with my mind at ease. Motability also includes a lot of servicing, MOTs, breakdown cover and insurance which fits in with the Motability motto of “worry-free motoring”. This is great for me because it means the car I drive is maintained meaning I can continue to go to work and contribute to society through participation.
Easy to Blame
It’s easy to paint a bad picture of disabled people being scroungers to the system but that’s simply damaging and not true. A lot of disabled people work full-time jobs (like me) and having a car is essential to live my life independently and do the things I do like travelling, working and getting involved in hobbies. By having a car, I’m contributing to society because it means I can go out and support businesses across the country and be part of a wider community, which is important to my general well-being and health.
Not Always True
Overall, it’s easy to judge others negatively without actually understanding their circumstances. There will be a very small minority of people who take advantage of the system but that doesn’t account for the ones who need vehicles to access this inaccessible world. Access to the Motability scheme is a lifeline for many, so be kind and understand that there can be genuine reasons for this scheme, which a lot of people of disabled people are entitled to if on an enhanced rate of Motability.
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