Hurricane Helene caused chaos in Tennessee. It led to dramatic rescues at Unicoi County Hospital. More than fifty patients and caregivers found themselves trapped on the hospital’s roof. This happened as the nearby Nolichucky River overflowed. The situation quickly became critical.

Rising Waters and Desperate Measures

Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene rose rapidly. This made it impossible for ambulances to reach the hospital. In response to the flooding, patients were directed to the roof. Emergency teams rushed to help as the storm brought strong winds and heavy rain.

Emergency Services Mobilized

Access roads were completely submerged. The flooding caused by Hurricane Helene left many emergency vehicles stuck. Fortunately, a SWAT team in training was nearby. They were able to collect important medications for the patients. The destruction from Hurricane Helene led local authorities to increase rescue efforts across the area.

Challenges Faced by First Responders

Rescue attempts were difficult due to the dangerous conditions. Patrick Sheehan, Tennessee’s emergency operations director, explained that the fast-rising water made evacuation hard. After boats could not help, the team decided to evacuate everyone to the roof. This was a desperate measure in response to Hurricane Helene’s overwhelming force.

Helicopter Rescues Underway

The weather made it tough for helicopters to assist at first. However, a Virginia State Police helicopter eventually landed on the roof of the hospital. This showed the determination to help those affected by Hurricane Helene. More National Guard helicopters were on the way to ensure everyone stranded would be rescued.

Successful Evacuations and Aftermath

By 4:15 PM, all individuals trapped at Unicoi County Hospital were rescued. They were transferred to Johnson City Medical Center. The quick actions of first responders were crucial in managing the crisis caused by Hurricane Helene.

A Community in Need

Hurricane Helene left behind a trail of destruction. At least 40 lives were lost across several states. As communities begin to recover, stories of bravery will stand out. They show the resilience of people in the face of adversity brought by Hurricane Helene.

Disabled activists are deeply concerned about the government’s decision to means-test winter fuel payments. These cuts will affect 1.6 million disabled individuals, leaving many forced to decide whether to heat their homes or afford food during the cold months. This policy disproportionately impacts disabled people.

Disabled Communities Hit Hard by Means-Tested Payments

Government figures confirm that most of those affected are disabled. Yet, despite releasing two brief impact assessments, a broader review was refused. Advocacy groups, including Disability Rights UK and Inclusion London, have strongly criticized this lack of a full review. They called the government’s response “thoroughly inadequate” and demanded the cuts be reversed. They are also pushing for a comprehensive national equality impact assessment to uncover the cumulative effects of multiple benefit cuts on disabled communities and others protected by the Equality Act.

Government’s Impact Assessment Highlights Severity

Released after a freedom of information request, the government’s equality impact assessment shows that around 71% of disabled people currently receiving winter fuel payments will lose their entitlement. In a separate assessment by the Treasury, it was found that this change would negatively impact disabled people more than others, since 54% of pensioners have a disability compared to just 13% of the general population.

Ministers Criticized for High Energy Claims

Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) has pointed out that key figures behind this decision, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, claimed thousands of pounds in energy expenses for their second homes. Reeves claimed nearly £1,500 in 2023-24, while Kendall’s energy expenses exceeded £3,100 – far more than the annual winter fuel payment received by those over 80.

Major Policy Shift: Universal Benefit No Longer for All

Previously a universal benefit, winter fuel payments were provided each November or December to everyone over the state pension age. Individuals aged 66 to 79 received £200, and those over 80 got £300. However, Chancellor Reeves announced in July that this payment would now be limited to those on pension credit or other income-related benefits.

Pension Credit Push May Not Reach Everyone

Earlier this month, the Department for Work and Pensions launched a campaign to encourage pensioners to claim pension credit. Despite the push, an estimated 780,000 pensioners will likely remain unclaimed for pension credit, meaning they will also miss out on the winter fuel payment.

“Starve or Freeze”: Activists Warn of Severe Consequences

Bob Ellard, from DPAC’s national steering group, expressed concern that removing the payment from those barely coping financially will force them into choosing between “starving or freezing.” He also emphasized the difficulty many people face when applying for pension credit due to lengthy and complicated forms.

“This is Labour targeting people who can’t fight back,” he said. “It will result in people dying in poverty. It’s shameful.”

Concerns Over Speed of Policy Changes

The Disability Poverty Campaign Group (DPCG) echoed these concerns, stating that the change in policy happened too quickly without sufficient scrutiny. The group highlighted how people dealing with digital exclusion, loneliness, learning disabilities, or mental health challenges would struggle to apply for pension credit in time to receive winter fuel support.

They warned that the policy would lead to increased winter deaths, hospitalizations, and a higher demand for food and energy banks.

The founder and chairperson of the neurodiversity charity Neurodiversity in Business has ignited a powerful online movement after sharing a deeply personal and emotional experience. The neurodiversity charity leader, a prominent advocate for neurodiverse individuals, revealed that he was brought to tears not by the physical pain of a recent tattoo but by a hurtful comment made about his 10-year-old son, affectionately known as “The Joshie Man,” who is non-speaking and autistic.

In a heartfelt social media post, the charity leader recounted the moment he encountered a series of disparaging remarks from a woman named Kym Clinton. The comments, filled with outdated and harmful stereotypes about autism and ADHD, were aimed at both the leader and his son. Clinton’s words, which questioned the legitimacy of neurodiversity and even suggested a return to the days when children with differences were institutionalized, struck a deep nerve.

Determined to use this incident as a catalyst for change, the charity leader publicly deconstructed the hateful comments, using his platform to educate and advocate. He meticulously addressed each of the seven offensive points made by Clinton, countering them with facts, empathy, and a call for greater understanding.

“Autism and ADHD are clinically diagnosed medical conditions,” the leader wrote in response to one of Clinton’s assertions. “These conditions have been researched extensively for nearly a century, and there is no evidence to support the idea that poor parenting plays any role.”

The leader also highlighted the long history of mistreatment faced by neurodiverse individuals, referencing the dark times when children with differences were locked away in institutions and denied a formal education. He firmly rejected the notion that such practices should ever be considered acceptable again. “Thankfully, society has evolved and matured,” he stated. “I cannot imagine any family forgetting about their cherished child.”

The charity leader didn’t stop at defending his son; he also emphasized the positive contributions that neurodiverse individuals have made to society. “Some of the brightest minds throughout history have been autistic or had ADHD,” he noted. “There is a reason these genes have persisted for thousands of years—they benefit our society on a macro level.”

In a call to action, the leader urged his followers and the broader online community to stand with him in the fight against ignorance and discrimination. He asked people to repost his message, like the post to show that love prevails over hate, and to share their views in the comments. “Who is with us today? Is love stronger than hate?” he asked, rallying support for his cause.

The response has been overwhelming. Thousands of individuals have shown their solidarity, with the hashtags #AutismEmpowerment, #NeuroInclusion, and #Neurodiversity trending across social media platforms. Many have shared their own experiences and stories, further amplifying the charity leader’s message of love, inclusion, and respect.

The charity leader’s advocacy work through Neurodiversity in Business continues to inspire many, showing that even in the face of adversity, the commitment to change and the power of community can bring about a more inclusive and understanding society. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals and their families, but also of the incredible strength that comes from standing together in the fight for a more accepting world.