Ken
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.
Ken has trouble remembering things since someone assaulted him about 15 years ago, causing an acquired brain injury. He also has a number of physical disabilities for which he receives NDIS support. Ken lives in government housing with a housemate and two dogs.
Ken told the Royal Commission that after his assault, a state government victims-of-crime service funded his physiotherapy. Recently, the funding stopped without warning. The service told him the funding had run out and the onus had been on him to keep track of it.
‘This seems ridiculous to me, because I have issues with my memory as a direct result of the assault, which is the crime I am being “assisted” to recover from. Without physio, I have difficulty going about my day-to-day tasks, and the withdrawal of this support is extremely emotionally distressing for me.’
Ken asked the NDIS to fund his physiotherapy. The NDIS rejected the application, telling him his physiotherapy ‘didn’t relate directly to [his] disability’.
‘I find this unreasonable. The NDIS is supposed to support people with disabilities. I have a disability, so why can’t I receive the support I need?’
Ken said the NDIS also threatened to remove funding for his anger management specialist because there were ‘not enough goals’ to support it.
‘It’s unclear what that even means when it comes to mental health support … The NDIS is too focused on “goals”, which doesn’t take the individual into consideration.’
Ken is now worried about the government house he rents. His housemate, who is also a person with disability, is applying to move to supported accommodation. The house they share has lots of things that need fixing and ‘the communication with the housing worker is all over the joint’.
‘I’m in a bit of limbo, which is really stressful.’
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.