Spencer van Vloten

A Loving Partner Isn't An Option: A Statement

For Alicia, BC's PWD spousal cap tells her a lot about how the province treats people with disabilities- none of it good

By Alicia

BC Disability

November 30, 2021

"Being forced to live in poverty makes it much more likely that those with disabilities are enduring living situations that aren’t safe for them."

Read Entry 1: It's Marriage OR Survival; not both for BC's PWDs

Read Entry 2: "It makes me feel guilty for my disabilities"

Read Entry 3: "Was it worth it to almost cost someone's life?"

Read: Can The BC PWD Spousal Cap!

What does the PWD spousal cap tell me?

It tells me that having a loving partner isn't an option for me. It shows me that I am expected to find a someone who wouldn't consider being saddled with expenses from my health and disability a burden.

It shows that I am not meant to share in life and love with another - instead, I must seek a benefactor. It is unrealistic to expect just anyone to be able to afford the life of another, especially in the current financial climate.

I am not meant to share in life and love with another - instead, I must seek a benefactor

There should be protection in place to ensure that people with disabilities aren’t being exploited for their assistance. Being forced to live in poverty makes it much more likely that those with disabilities are enduring living situations that aren’t safe for them.

That's what it says to me.


Spencer van Vloten is the editor of BC Disability. To get in touch, send an email to spencer@bcdisability.com!