Kristopher and Ed
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.
‘What good is it to be good at life skills but can’t write or do basic maths or read properly?’
Ed told the Royal Commission that his grandson Kristopher, now in his 20s, was neglected and abused in both mainstream and special education schools.
Kristopher has an intellectual disability, and when he started at a mainstream primary school he was supported by a teacher’s aide.
However when the headmaster’s wife was made redundant from her job, the headmaster gave the teaching aide position to her. Kristopher’s learning and wellbeing plummeted. The class teacher told Ed ‘it was a personality clash – they [the headmaster’s wife and Kristopher] just could not get on’.
Ed complained to the headmaster who responded ‘his wife needed a job, end of story’.
Kristopher also experienced bullying and abuse by the students at the school. At recess when he came outside to play, other children would call out ‘here comes the retard’ and other taunts.
The headmaster told Ed he couldn’t stop the name-calling, saying ‘that’s life’.
Ed decided Kristopher might be better off at a special education school.
But Ed said this was a ‘big mistake’ as they ‘only teach life skills not maths, English or writing’.
Kristopher is now at TAFE learning these skills.
Ed is Kristopher’s full-time carer and he worries Kristopher won’t be able to get a job in the future.
‘Some kids can’t cope for one reason or another with mainstream school. But in a special school those that can should be given an education.’
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.