Miranda and Wilson
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.
Miranda has a rare neurological condition that affects her cognitive abilities and general health. Her father, Wilson, told the Royal Commission that Miranda and other people with disability receive inferior medical and health services, particularly in relation to diet and nutrition.
Wilson said his daughter had reached early middle age by the time genetic analysis determined she had mutation that puts her at greater risk of physical ill-health including cardiovascular disease, stroke, recurrent early miscarriage, migraine with aura, osteoporosis and some cancers.
Experts believe diet can reduce these risks.
Wilson said that, had he known about this sooner, he would have taken preventative measures with Miranda’s diet.
Wilson has noticed more broadly that ‘many people with disability have poor diet and nutrition’ which ‘can lead to poor quality of life, poor health, shorter lifespan’.
‘[The NDIA] gives no attention to this matter,’ he said. ‘Seems to me that this matter is fundamental to everything else but it is the missing element!’
Wilson would like to see comprehensive research into the diet and nutrition of people with disability.
He would also like to see support workers receive education around nutrition, ‘so they can focus away from easy to access junk food’.
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.