Waylon
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.
Waylon, a First Nations man, speaks through an artificial larynx after having his Adam’s apple removed.
‘If my machine fails or breaks, I cannot talk to anyone.’
Waylon told the Royal Commission that his machine failed during a court case in which he was sent to jail.
‘With legal proceedings, I had not been heard,’ Waylon told the Royal Commission. ‘When my machine failed my friend had to do all communication for me including phone calls … My doctor also wrote a supporting letter for the courts that also wasn’t presented that could [have] avoided me going to jail as I couldn’t speak.’
One of Waylon’s friends in jail helped him make his submission to the Royal Commission.
‘If somebody smashes my machine I can’t communicate other than through my friend.’
He’s now worried that being in jail with his disability means he will lose his home, which is the subject of legal proceedings.
‘I am afraid I will lose my home and my place of residence for 10 years … I feel I can’t get adequate support here other than friends in here.’
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.