Rolf and Tina
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.
‘Every child deserves the right to succeed and have the best start.’
Tina’s son, Rolf, has dyslexia. Tina told the Royal Commission that Rolf’s school refuses to support his style of learning, leaving him feeling excluded from education.
He feels ‘stupid and separate’ from his peers, Tina said.
‘The schools and education system chooses to ignore the science on how to best teach children with dyslexia. If doctors chose to ignore the science they would lose their medical licence, though it seems fine that the education system can ignore the science.’
Through support forums and talking with other parents, Tina has discovered many families are facing the same problems.
‘I will continue to support my son through the rest of his school education. I fear for the children who just believe that the schools are doing the best, or the parents who were also failed by the education system and just hate school.’
Tina hopes the Royal Commission will direct help to schools so they can develop good teaching practices and ‘nourish all children’.
‘Please follow the science! Schools need support to know which programs are there to benefit all the children.’
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.