Lawson and Irina
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.
Lawson has a rare genetic syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and anxiety disorder. He also has profound information processing issues and communication and social difficulties.
Irina told the Royal Commission that Lawson had been well supported in primary school and progressed academically, but his experience of high school has been poor.
Lawson has a substantial funding package ($45,000 per year) to support his inclusion and education, yet the school has ‘consistently allocated one education assistant to nine students’.
Irina believes the school is exploiting Lawson and using his funds to support other students.
She has made many complaints and attended ‘countless meetings’, but the school says it is not required to use the funds for Lawson.
‘I was told they could spend the funding how they saw fit.’ Irina said. ‘The principal even wrote that the gardens are expensive and [Lawson] should contribute to those!’
Irina felt powerless.
‘Another parent with the same concerns was told she could try another school.’
Irina’s says Lawson’s education hasn’t really progressed in high school.
‘I have not received an IEP [individual education plan] for [Lawson] for years. He has never been in the school magazine in six years – the school exploits their funding and shuts [students with disability] away.’
The school also failed to act when Lawson was bullied, by a teacher and a student, over a number of years.
Irina said as a result of his school experience Lawson is ‘a sad, scared young man’.
‘We didn't have any notion how difficult high school would be. We thought everyone would be on our son's side to give him the education [he was funded for]. We were so wrong.’
Irina hopes in future the education system will be transparent and the community is allowed to see a return on their investment in students like Lawson.
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.