Eric
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.
Eric has vision impairment and has been working for an Australia Disability Enterprise (ADE). In his submission he told us that the ADE has prevented him from achieving his employment goals and that he has been bullied there.
‘The implementation of NDIS has not made any benefit for supported workers working for an ADE. Here again rules are not followed and there is a lack of transparency of how funding is spent.’
Eric told us there are people working for ADEs who have suffered substantial income loss because of incorrect application of the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool.
Furthermore, he said, the Disability Maintenance Instrument used by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and disability service providers doesn’t actually reflect individual needs. ‘It is just a way for the service provider to increase income without giving much back to participants.’
Eric said the management team at his ADE didn’t comply with their agreement with the Department of Social Services, causing him to lose income and training opportunities.
Eric told us he has reported this issue through various avenues but doesn’t believe that appropriate action has been taken.
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.