Katya and Galina
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 impact of a psychosocial disability diagnosis can have the same amount of impact on a person as a physical disability − I wish people would understand this, and accept that these people need as much care.’
Katya has a psychosocial disability. She finds it hard to do the basic activities of daily life, such as showering, remembering to take her medication and preparing meals. She is frequently hospitalised. Recently her partner died, leaving her a sole parent of several children.
Her sister, Galina, told the Royal Commission, ‘People with psychosocial disabilities have a harder time proving their disabilities and impact on function to the NDIA.’
At a recent NDIS meeting, the planner told Katya she would be ‘better off with a physical disability’ and that she should ‘just take medication’.
Katya made a complaint to the NDIA, which then approved a plan that funded 24/7 care support at home, psychology and equipment.
However six months later, Galina said, the NDIS planner cut the plan by almost 75%. They said the initial plan was made in order to support Katya during the grieving period for her partner, ‘as though grieving has a strict timeframe’.
Galina said Katya’s health declined along with the reduction of supports and soon after she was admitted to hospital with high blood pressure. Galina believes the NDIS process caused this stress.
‘The NDIS plan review process is a nightmare. Every six to 12 months we are forced to PROVE to the NDIA that my sister is impaired, with various specialist reports, and even when we provide this evidence, our requests are frequently rejected with NO reasons provided.’
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.