When your thoughts are faster than you talk.

Some people can argue their way out of trouble. Others cannot - even when they are right. We have all had the experience: you say the wrong thing in the moment, you freeze, you get flustered, your mouth goes dry, and the perfect sentence arrives twenty minutes later - too late to matter. This often leads to regret and frustration. Now imagine that same feeling, but the stakes are your home, your income, your child, your freedom, your future employability. Imagine trying to explain yourself in a tribunal when you have never been taught how to write a statement, how to organise evidence, how to challenge a claim without sounding evasive or lacking confidence, or, even worse, being perceived as “aggressive” or “unreasonable”.

A broken system hits everyone. But it hits hardest when someone lacks the confidence, literacy, or social capital to fight back. In that sense, unfairness is often a disability tax. Those who possess the necessary skills or have the experience to navigate these intricate situations often come out unscathed, while others are left scrambling. This unequal playing field perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage for those who are not able to articulate their needs, defend their rights, or advocate for themselves in situations where it matters the most. It's crucial to acknowledge this disparity and work collectively towards a more equitable framework for all individuals, regardless of their background.