Alexis, Cindy, Aden and Gina
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.
Gina is a First Nations woman and a single mother of six. Two of her children have disability and they share a house with Gina’s granddaughter, who also has a disability.
Gina’s family rents the house from the local Aboriginal land council.
‘There have been almost no repairs for 30 years,’ Gina told the Royal Commission. ‘The [council] always says they have no money for repairs. When my grandmother had a stroke, we had to use wooden boards to make a ramp so she could access her home.’
The house is a challenge for the three children with disability: Alexis, Cindy and Aden.
Alexis has autism and loves primary school. She has difficulty speaking and needs help to eat and to manage her behaviour.
‘I really need a fence,’ said Gina. ‘[Alexis] has run away many times and been found near to a main highway.’
Gina’s granddaughter, Cindy, has cerebral palsy. She uses a wheelchair and can’t access the shower. Gina said the home’s bathroom leaked for 10 years before it was fixed. The shower still spills water onto the floor.
‘I just keep thinking, how do I get a break? There needs to be stricter regulations around the management of local Aboriginal lands councils, they just run their own shows.’
One of the few services in town supporting children with disability is the local primary school. Gina’s son Aden has autism and has trouble socialising. The school supports his interest in technology.
Gina thinks he may become an archaeologist, but outside school it’s difficult to find support for his disability. The children have been waiting two years for physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Gina has been unable to access hydrotherapy for Cindy’s cerebral palsy.
Gina also feels that her family’s cultural needs aren’t being met.
‘There are no Aboriginal disability workers. Promotion of training for Aboriginal people in disability services could change this.’
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.