Ernest
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.
‘The education funding system needs to remove neglect by identifying relief for those with Disability.’
Ernest wrote to the Royal Commission about recent fee increases to university courses, specifically humanities, and the disproportionate impact this has on people with disability.
Ernest says humanities qualifications allow people with disability to more effectively self-advocate and pursue social and structural change. ‘Education provides the voice that minority groups seek, and humanities is a large part of this voice.’
‘My position is that it is hard enough for me to survive in the wider community as a person with multiple disabilities, including autism … The very idea of paying my HECS HELP debt back at twice the amount so I can cross-subsidise and fund e.g. a non-disabled science student who has no need for reasonable adjustments, is a neglectful affront … I consider it to be a type of structural violence towards my community.’
Ernest made the point that people with disability are already financially disadvantaged in education. Formal education often takes longer for people with a disability to complete as they may encounter a number of ‘false starts’ or need to pause their studies. They are also likely to find it more difficult to secure and maintain employment after university. Increased fees amplify these struggles.
‘A disabled individual can finish their studies but it is a long and arduous process. There are many challenges along the way … they need consideration to work through all the difficulties that come with disability without the pressure of a double debt.’
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.