Dear Pantelis,
It looks like we can not do anything.
Pro Retina and other blind organizations are trying to work together.
There is no real influence to the politics.
And even if we hear something about cutting money for blind the decision is
nearly made and it is to late to organize a demonstration or soemthing like
this.
Federal goverment transmitted this task of paying welfare payments for the blind
to the goverment of the counties. Now they are looking for saving money in their
budget and cut at the weakest characters where they can expect not a big
resistance.
In order not to attract attention in most counties the people who getting this
money until now nothing will be changed. But all other person who would be
entitled to receive this payment in the future (if they are going blind or
visually impaired) would not receive the full payment.
Due to this trick there seems to be no need for the blind people to protest
against the new law. Only for the coming generation of blind and vissually
impaired people it will have disadvantages.
Clever, isn´t it ?

Are they paying in your country only for blind people or also for extreme
visually impaired people?
I guess this is also regulated totally different in each country.
Also the definition of "being blind".

Best regards,
Markus


MAIL TO: markus.georg@...
or mail to: rey@...


-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: Pantelis Pittas [SMTP:elpadel@...]
Gesendet am: Dienstag, 5. August 2003 23:07
An: retinayouth@...
Betreff: Re:[retinayouth] social security is going down (all over Europe?!?)

Dear Markus, here in Greece things aren't that bad yet, but there is economic
restrain. There are rumors about freezing pensions, benefits, e.t.c.
But they would never think of cutting off that money, not even for the
Olympics. We would revolt!!! Aren't you doing something? From what you are
saying the local governments are acting illegally! Well, take them to the
federal court and then to the European Court. Isn't Pro Retina Deutschland doing
anything?


------ Original Message ------
Dear Friends,
Due to the bad economical situation government is interested in saving money.
They use every opportunity to cut social security benefits.
I guess this situation is the same all over Europe.

At the moment they are trying to cut benefit for blind and disabled people.
This is very unpleasant because this people are often not strong enough to fight
for their rights.
Furthermore they are requested to get this money to cover the costs which are
higher than for sighted people.

Only in six of sixteen counties in Germany the government is paying the benefit
for blind as per the federal law of social security (§ 67 BSHG).

For example:
In Bavaria (southern Germany) following monthly payments are provided for blind
people
585,-- Euro for adults (blind)
585,-- Euro for youngsters (blind) under 18 years

In Brandenburg (eastern Germany, close to Berlin) following monthly payments are
provided for blind people
268 Euro for adults (blind)
134 Euro for youngsters (blind) under 18 years

Now they are starting to cut this money in each county.

Do you have the same situation in your country ?
Please let me know if they are also cutting social security benefit for blind
and disabled people.
How much your government is paying for blinds ?.

Thanks for your comments.

Best regards,

Markus

MAIL TO: markus.georg@...
or mail to: rey@...



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