Rylan
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.
Rylan is under 10. He has a specific learning disability.
His parents are from New Zealand, but Rylan was born and raised in Australia.
‘Recently, my family have tried to access the NDIS,’ Rylan told the Royal Commission. ‘I’m in need for disability support services so that my disability has a chance of improving for the future.’
Ryan said the NDIS rejected the application ‘based on [his] residency status’.
He said dealing with the NDIS was ‘a traumatic and uneasy experience’ for his parents.
‘My parents have both been spoken down to, belittled, and treated with disrespect and unfairness when contacted by the NDIS [about the] application outcome.’
Rylan said that treating people ‘as less’ because they’re not eligible for NDIS funding ‘causes a lot of unnecessary stress and uncertainty’.
‘Having a disability at a young age with limited support services makes this difficult for my parents to assist me.’
He said all children with disability need access to early intervention support services, regardless of their residency status.
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.