2 Preface
I am a young, mixed-race, gay woman living with multiple chronic and disabling conditions. I was diagnosed with my disabilities fourteen years ago and through this research I have begun to recognise the symptoms of social abandonment in myself. I have witnessed the impact poorly informed, and unfair government health and social care legislation has had on patient care. I have seen the effects of budget cuts to critical services, escalating the national crisis of extensive waiting lists. The persistent starvation of resources and funding to emergency and essential services has led to substantial delay causing magnitudes of distress. The following research has helped me come to terms with the notion that many of my negative experiences with integrating into society, higher education and the world of work; have originated from a presentation and acceptance of false limitations. Generally, these falsities are borne from a regressive ignorance towards addressing the historical and systematic stigma that accompanies disability. My personal feelings of powerlessness and frustration with these systematic failings have left me compelled to write this.
