Archie
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 system forgets about you unless you make a “fuss”. You become just a number and your value only stretches as far as the allocated funding in your NDIS plan.’
Archie fell at work and broke his back. After the hospital discharged him, he entered support systems that only made things worse.
‘My injuries disabled me and, due to system failures, this has negatively impacted every other aspect of my life,’ he told the Royal Commission.
Archie can walk but his spinal injury restricts his movement and causes chronic pain. After the hospital discharged him, he developed depression and anxiety.
‘I was encouraged to consume so many pharmaceutical drugs throughout my recovery ... I was offered no support to manage my enforced dependence. There was no withdrawal management program.’
Archie stopped taking his medication, but says ‘a vast number’ of people have developed opioid addictions.
‘I believe that the system is operated in a way that causes addiction.’
After leaving hospital, Archie was left to navigate an NDIS system he didn’t understand.
‘It has only been my informal supports that have encouraged me to keep trying … There are people who are less computer literate, have less supports, or less functional capacity than me … I am fearful for those without friends or family who are in a similar situation.’
Archie said even after approving his plan, the NDIS took five months to provide a support coordinator to help him access it.
During that time, while waiting for the public health system to install grab rails in his shower to stop him falling, he fell. He now needs physiotherapy and occupational therapy for his injuries.
‘This could have been avoided had supports been applied in a more time effective manner.’
Archie said he tried to return to work, but felt the disability employment services he used weren’t serious about helping him find him an appropriate job.
‘I found myself climbing ladders, and driving heavy machinery and equipment, although I explained over and over the impact of my spinal injuries. It appears that there is an expectation that individuals are disinterested or will actively avoid employment, so for someone like me who was eager to return to work, I found this very defeating.’
Archie said there were times he ‘felt suicidal’.
‘There is seemingly a “hand-ball” response to people like me who have sustained their disability as a result of an accident or injury. It feels like no-one is willing to take responsibility for these people, which leaves them without support.’
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.