Taylin
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.
Taylin is legally blind and has other disabilities. Support workers help her with most of her daily tasks. ‘I am unable to cook unassisted as I am unable to judge if meat is cooked.’ Taylin also needs someone to administer her medication.
Taylin was a client of a disability service provider for more than 10 years. She was happy with the service, she told the Royal Commission, until the mid-2010s.
Suddenly, she said, ‘I was left unsupported from 8.30 am – 11.30 pm.’
Taylin hoped it would be a one-off but it happened on other occasions.
Then one of the support workers assaulted her. ‘The worker grabbed my arm with enough force leaving bruises on my arm.’ The worker also threw a chair at her.
Taylin reported the assault to the provider and contacted the police.
Then one of the support workers complained to the provider about the state of Taylin’s house and her doll collection. Two staff members visited Taylin’s home to conduct a workplace health and safety check. She felt they had no right to do this.
Taylin agreed to put a lot of her toys in storage containers and limit buying new toys. However the provider wanted her to make more changes and asked her to sign a contract. Taylin said the contract was ‘unreasonable’.
Taylin’s sister became involved and agreed with her about the contract. Taylin said her sister loves her and was very upset by the way the provider treated her.
The provider terminated the service agreement without any notice.
Taylin believes this was because of her sister’s behaviour. ‘I want to see that services are not able to get rid of clients not due to their behaviour. They are not in control of family members.’
Taylin would like to be compensated by the provider.
‘I spent hours and days with no contact with the community … and I was left to find a service.’
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.