Jean and Meredith
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.
Jean lives with an intellectual disability and epilepsy. She can’t read or write and needs help with some tasks, such as tying her shoelaces.
About 10 years ago, Meredith volunteered to be Jean’s citizen advocate. Meredith speaks up for Jean if she sees something wrong.
Once, Meredith noticed a fire exit door in Jean’s group home was jammed shut.
‘I said, “You need to fix this now.” They said, “We are moving in a couple of weeks, we won’t bother.” I insisted it be fixed immediately.’
Meredith also takes Jean on walks.
‘I take [Jean] up to the mountains and [pretend to] get us lost so we can sing the song “Show me the Way to Go Home.” She loves that,’ Meredith told the Royal Commission. ‘Sometimes we break up stale bread to put in a bag and go down to the pier. [Jean] likes feeding the fish.’
Several years ago, Jean lost sight in one eye. Recently, Meredith noticed that Jean was unsteady on walks, and suspected she was losing sight in her other eye as well.
Jean’s optometrist referred her to a hospital ophthalmologist to urgently examine the eye, but the hospital put her on a waiting list for an appointment. A month later, after a second referral, a hospital ophthalmologist said Jean’s case wasn’t urgent.
‘Jean’s physical balance was at risk,’ said Meredith.
A neurologist examined Jean and he also asked the hospital to see her straight away. Nothing happened. Meredith then asked her local member of parliament for help.
‘He emailed the person in charge of the hospital, to request that Jean is seen and her surgery progress.’
Two days later, the hospital made an appointment for Jean to see the ophthalmologist.
‘It infuriates me that they are putting Jean on the back foot because of her disabilities and her capacity. I hope I am wrong, but that is how I feel.’
Meredith said Jean had to wait another three months for surgery.
‘People with disability need care and bottom line workers are the ones doing it. We need to pay more attention to people with a disability who need health care interventions.’
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.