In this edition of our Meet the Commissioners blog series, we’re introducing Kim Dams, Commissioner.
I feel as if I wear a thousand different hats, with a thousand parts to my background, but my overriding motivation for much of what I try to do is the fact that poverty really is a big issue for disabled people and I want to help raise awareness of that.
I am the CEO of a regional disability organisation in Dumfries and Galloway, DG Voice, which is run by and for disabled people with long-term health conditions. I am also a non-executive board member of the local health board and the Integrated Joint Board in Dumfries and Galloway.
I am also co-convenor of Inclusion Scotland and hold a number of other positions in the third sector. I have lived experience of poverty myself, both in Germany where my upbringing was in a single mum household and here in Scotland. My background has shaped my life.
Through education, school and my professional life, I have managed to pull myself out of it but I am very aware that circumstances can change very quickly for people. The average person has less than three months’ worth of savings so, even if they are coping, losing a job, falling ill or suffering a bereavement can quickly push them into poverty.
Disabled people feel under attack
I also have lived experience of disability and know that, for disabled people, life is more expensive. At the same time, disabled people feel under attack as they are victims of a blame culture, this ‘go out and get a job’ attitude when they are not even being provided with the support they need to make that possible.
For example, they may face criticism for having a car. But the reality is public transport in remote areas can be a real struggle and having a car is often a necessity. Rural poverty can look very different to urban poverty and I want to be a voice helping people understand that.
Many disabled people feel as if they are trapped in a spiral.
I can influence more directly as a Commissioner
I was part of the first Experts by Experience Panel but, when the opportunity arose to become a Commissioner, I thought it would give me the chance to influence more directly.
The stigma around poverty is big. No-one should be ashamed because they are poor and I feel strongly that if I can play any part at all in helping to make lives better then that is what I want to try to do.
I think the Commission is quite powerful in terms of the influence it has and plays a really important and very much needed role. There are obviously limitations to what we can do and we understand that government budgets are limited, but nevertheless we can provide valuable output.
I want to make sure disabled voices are heard, particularly those living in remote areas like Dumfries and Galloway. There can be easy wins for politicians in the central belt, but they are not the only ones who matter when it comes to decision-making.