Caleb and Joanna
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.
Joanna’s nephew, Caleb, has Asperger's syndrome and a learning disorder. Joanna is concerned about the pressure on young people with disability, like Caleb, to secure work or study in order to receive their Disability Support Pension (DSP).
‘This pressure has increased their anxiety, depression and probably any addictions.’
In her submission Joanna explained that since he was ‘deemed job worthy’ by Centrelink, the pressure on Caleb to get work – now through a job provider – has increased.
‘Several job providers later he secured employment for 8 hours a week but he only maintained this because I ensured he was awake, showered and dressed, fed, provided transport and arranged overnight stays when he refused to use public transport.’
Additionally Joanna provides ‘constant counselling’ to Caleb, helping him to understand the work environment.
There are also the fortnightly appointments with Centrelink and ‘having to constantly explain his behaviour to yet another person.’
At one point, says Joanna, there was a cut-off to Caleb’s pension because of an ‘overzealous and nasty job provider’. He now lives with the ‘constant threat’ this could happen again.
‘He is also being encouraged to study for a course, though I have repeatedly explained he is incapable of doing so – having tried and failed twice and which he is still paying for.’
Joanna says that job providers have for the most part been understanding and helpful, but ‘their hands are tied when it comes to government requirements’.
Joanna recommends that the intended capacity building component for DSP recipients be reformed so that people receive more assistance and have their participation plans tailored to their individual needs to reduce the pressure of potentially losing their DSP.
‘The idea of giving disabled people, especially young people, a future through work or study is admirable but it must be done without pressure, with as much assistance as needed, with wide time limits and minimal impact to their limited funds.’
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.