Better Dead than Disabled?

I have just read a shocking survey, commissioned by Disaboom, which suggests that more than half of Americans would rather die than live with a serious disability.

The research also showed that more affluent and more educated people were more likely to choose death over disability than those with lower incomes and poorer standards of education.

What on earth does this say about the United States? What would the results of a similar survey in Britain show? There may be very few but a militant minority who would actually choose disability rather than life without an impairment, but death rather than life? When we are surrounded by so many examples of people living fantastic, fulfilling lives despite serious disabilities?

I may not agree with their current political leadership, or their attitude to other countries' ability to manage their own internal affairs, but I have always thought of Americans as the ultimate "can-do" citizens. These are the people who believe in selling or spending their way out of economic downturns; who pity us poor Brits for failing to capitalise on our wonderful inventions; the home of the superhero, where any achievements are hailed with admiration, rather than envy or embarrassment.

So why are so many of them apparently ready to wimp out when it comes to dealing with disability? Is this a reflection of their inadequate public healthcare system, a general ignorance of the possibilities of independent living, or something else altogether?

What do you think? If you are affected by disability, please add your comments here - anonymously if you prefer - and we can compare our entirely unscientific survey of Independent Living visitors with our cousins across the water!