Nowhere less money: Blind people from Schleswig-Holstein fight in the state parliament for more support
Social Affairs Committee deals with the "SH Participation Act"
The state representation of the blind has been fighting for years for the abolition of the so-called "blind allowance". Those affected want to be recognized as equal citizens.
Kiel. In Schleswig-Holstein, around 2,500 people are blind or visually impaired. Now they are demanding more support from the state.
The social affairs committee dealt with the "SH Participation Act" on Monday. The state representation of the blind in Schleswig-Holstein, together with the SPD parliamentary group, wants to make the participation of blind and visually impaired people easier.
Specifically, the abolition of the so-called "blind allowance" is demanded. This is a fixed amount of money that blind people receive in addition to social benefits. According to the state representation of the blind, this allowance is outdated and stigmatizing. It is a relic from a time when blind and visually impaired people were considered unable to work.
The state government, on the other hand, refers to the fact that the blind allowance is a nationwide regulation. It cannot, therefore, be abolished solely by the state of Schleswig-Holstein. However, the state government is open to improvements. The social affairs committee is now to discuss the issue further.
Abolition of the blind allowance: What is it about?
The blind allowance is a monthly payment that blind and visually impaired people receive in addition to social benefits. The amount of the allowance depends on the degree of visual impairment. The blind allowance is intended to compensate for the additional costs that blind and visually impaired people have, for example, for special equipment or guide dogs.
However, the state representation of the blind in Schleswig-Holstein criticizes that the blind allowance is outdated and stigmatizing. It is a relic from a time when blind and visually impaired people were considered unable to work. The state representation of the blind therefore demands the abolition of the blind allowance and instead wants blind and visually impaired people to receive the same support as other people with disabilities.
The state government, on the other hand, refers to the fact that the blind allowance is a nationwide regulation. It cannot, therefore, be abolished solely by the state of Schleswig-Holstein. However, the state government is open to improvements. The social affairs committee is now to discuss the issue further.
What are the arguments for and against the abolition of the blind allowance?
**Arguments for the abolition of the blind allowance:**
- The blind allowance is outdated and stigmatizing.
- It is a relic from a time when blind and visually impaired people were considered unable to work.
- Blind and visually impaired people should receive the same support as other people with disabilities.
**Arguments against the abolition of the blind allowance:**
- The blind allowance is a nationwide regulation and cannot be abolished solely by the state of Schleswig-Holstein.
- The blind allowance compensates for the additional costs that blind and visually impaired people have, for example, for special equipment or guide dogs.
- The abolition of the blind allowance could lead to financial disadvantages for blind and visually impaired people.
