Andrei
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.
‘My injury does not mean I am “empty”. I have a wealth of knowledge, experience and acquired abilities by which I can still contribute to society.’
Andrei was in his late 50s when he was hit by a car. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and spent three months in hospital followed by extensive rehabilitation.
‘My traumatic brain injury left me with limitations to my vision and deprived me of short-term memory,’ Andrei told the Royal Commission.
Prior to the injury Andrei worked in several different sectors – as a tradesperson in a physically demanding role and in a university. He also played a musical instrument performing at international events.
‘I had at least a “normal” level of knowledge, intelligence and ability, along with good communication skills,’ he said.
In the 10 years since the accident, Andrei has experienced abuse and discrimination because of his disability.
‘There are some basic things in post-injury life which I am unable to do normally. This has caused others to engage in castigation and discriminatory actions based purely on their presumptions.’
Andrei has limited short-term memory. ‘I often ask someone a question and then repeat the question minutes and [sometimes] hours later because I cannot remember their reply.’ He said he is ‘told off’ with comments such as, ‘You are always asking me that.’
If someone asks Andrei to do something on a Tuesday he doesn’t know when they mean. He can’t remember days of the week and has to ask more questions to work out when Tuesday is. People often reply ‘What? Don’t you even know what day it is?’
Andrei was a regular member of a hobby club and continued to attend after his brain injury. However he couldn’t remember faces or names from week to week. If he asked someone their name they said, ‘You know me. What’s wrong with you, we worked together for two hours … last week.’
These incidents have affected Andrei’s self-esteem and he said he often has to find the courage to ask questions, knowing the person will belittle him.
‘I am still very capable of thinking and reasoning. Because I cannot remember a particular fact does not mean that I never need to use that specific fact. I simply do not have it available in my memory when I need it.’
Andrei believes sensitivity training should be taught in primary schools and beyond. Sensitivity training would teach everyone to carefully consider a situation and put themselves in the other person’s place before they respond.
‘By creating and promulgating a new paradigm of sensitivity we can actively reduce discrimination and do this without spending vast sums of money.’
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.