Jordan
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.
‘I don’t think there is one Deafblind person working at the NDIS.’
Jordan’s hearing aid batteries have to be replaced at least twice a week.
The batteries and the hearing aid casings are very small. It’s easy to drop them – Jordan frequently does. And because they are Deafblind finding them again is almost impossible.
The batteries look like dog treats. Jordan told the Royal Commission they are concerned their guide dog will eat the batteries and become seriously ill, even die.
The component parts are small and not designed to be manipulated or operated by a person with a vision impairment. They are difficult to replace without damaging the casing or breaking the aid entirely.
Jordan is often forced to ask family members to help them change the batteries – limiting their independence.
If the batteries run flat when Jordan is out and there is no-one to help change them, Jordan can’t communicate or navigate spaces safely.
Jordan applied to the NDIA to fund rechargeable batteries, detailing all the reasons and providing supporting documentation.
But the NDIA rejected the request.
The NDIA suggested Jordan change the hearing aid batteries over a bucket.
They also offered to fund a streaming microphone instead. Jordan is at a loss to understand this.
Another suggestion was to use core support funding to pay for a support person to come twice a week and change the batteries.
‘Not only does this recommendation do the exact opposite of promoting a participant’s independence, but also represents a total cost over the life of the plan that is five times more expensive than the cost of funding the requested aids.’
Jordan said the NDIA’s reasons and suggestions demonstrate they have no understanding of being Deafblind. ‘They don’t know enough about the person with disability to make judgements about what they need. I feel like I’m not being listened to at all.’
Jordan is appealing the decision.
‘I feel like a criminal for asking for something I need.’
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.