Harlie
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.
Harlie had polio as a child. Now in her 70s, she lives with the ‘late effects’ of the disease, which include muscle fatigue, pain and other debilitating conditions.
Harlie is concerned she will no longer be able to continue working with her ‘excellent’ physiotherapist who has ‘special training and experience in working with neurological and neuro-muscular conditions’.
This is because of Harlie’s age, which makes her ineligible for the NDIS.
Harlie has been offered a level 2 My Aged Care package but was advised that any My Aged Care service provider will ‘probably want me to use their in-house physio’.
Harlie finds this unacceptable and consequently she ‘has declined the package for the time being’. She has made her own arrangements but is frustrated she can’t access the NDIS or something similar. ‘On NDIS I would be better funded, have more choice and ultimately more control over the care I receive,’ she said.
Harlie said in her submission that ‘polio survivors are the largest disability group in Australia but … are largely invisible’. She feels like the government ‘is just waiting for us to die rather than dealing with our issues adequately or appropriately’.
‘I believe that this amounts to institutional neglect by the government … At the very least this is age discrimination,’ she said.
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.