Ira
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 department do not focus on our strengths as people. We continuously get a label put across us.’
Ira is in his mid-20s and describes himself as having a ‘mild intellectual learning disability … and social issues’.
He told the Royal Commission he has been ‘psychologically abused’ by the child protection department which has removed his children as newborns.
Despite Ira having NDIS supports in place to help him and his partner parent, the department recently removed his second child. It believes Ira’s intellectual disability puts the child at risk. Ira says this is discrimination.
‘It is psychologically damaging to not be seen as an equal member in the community when we do live independently.’
There is plenty of evidence-based research, Ira said, that proves parents with mild intellectual learning disability, who are well supported, parent successfully. A disability ‘doesn’t make them bad parents’.
Ira would like the department to support people rather than make judgements about them.
‘This needs to stop with child removal when it only involves learning disabilities.’
Ira said losing his children is ‘psychologically traumatic’. Parents with disability need to have their rights ‘noticed and respected’.
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.