Securing Disability Living Allowance when she became disabled meant Lisa could get out of her bedroom AND get an Honours Degree.
"My life
changed on my 19th birthday. I went from being top of my class and
looking forward to a first class degree, to being trapped in bed by
debilitating physical and mental fatigue. After three years of NHS waiting lists, I
was diagnosed with ME/CFS. The diagnosis meant I could apply for
Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
The
University were relieved when I got DLA, as they could only help me with this
recognition. The non-technological support included free parking – even before
my Blue Badge – and ensuring my lectures were on the ground floor of buildings
where my carer could park directly outside. It enabled me to have a Disabled
Student Allowance, providing me with assistive technology to help bridge the
gap between my abilities and that of an able student. I completed my degree
with a 2.1 Honours, something that would have been impossible without diagnosis
and entitlement to DLA.
Back at
home, my DLA meant the council – after another three year wait - built a
downstairs wet room. This meant I was no longer trapped in my bedroom all day
and all night, as I have to be on the same level as the toilet. Being out of my
bedroom – even still in my house – has made an amazing difference to my
wellbeing.
Finally,
the day my DLA letter said the award was indefinite was an amazing day. It
meant I didn’t have to go through the constant reminder of my limitations
spelled out in a form or told to a stranger.
It meant that I had financial
security, and could plan my future. A basic right."
