Andrik
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Andrik, his wife and children live in a house in the suburbs, on a busy road that leads to a shopping centre. Andrik’s wife has paraplegia and uses a wheelchair.
Three years ago, the local council installed a footpath with no ramp for wheelchair access close to the family’s house.
‘The fact it was built without physical disability in mind,’ Andrik said, ‘is not appropriate.’ He told the Royal Commission it amounts to neglect.
Andrik applied to the council, explaining that the lack of a ramp means his wife is effectively ‘housebound’. Council responded that ‘there is no funding’ and it ‘may be fixed in 2023’.
Andrik says that ‘all access should be given to new builds’ and that if something isn’t built to standards the obligation should be on the council or property owner to fix it.
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.