Vera
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.
Vera was a team leader at a disability services and support organisation. She enjoyed working there and had good relationships with the participants and staff. It was a terrible shock when the organisation suddenly made her redundant.
Vera told the Royal Commission she believes this happened because she was ‘trying to speak up about issues in and around the site that were hazardous to the participants’.
For example, the temperature in the building was inadequately regulated and was either too hot or cold. The ground around the site, which was on a main road, was uneven and unsafe and there were no gates. The gardens were so overgrown there was a risk of snakes and other vermin. Unsafe vans were used to transport participants and there was black mould on the ceiling inside the house.
While she was personally distressed to be made redundant, Vera said the saddest part was not being allowed to say goodbye to the participants. She had built a good rapport with them and had supported them for a long time.
For a number of participants the site was their whole world and it was upsetting for a staff member to simply vanish. They need consistency and continuity of care.
Vera would like participants to receive better care and consideration from the organisation, especially as they are paying for the service.
Ultimately she believes all participants who pay to be there have a right to a safe and caring environment.
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.