Norah
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 want to remain independent in my own home and obviously a good part of that is to stay well. I have a job that I love and would like to keep doing.’
Norah has spina bifida. She lives in her own unit, with assistance from support workers several times a day for personal care and cleaning. Norah told the Royal Commission she is worried that her health and her independence are now in jeopardy.
‘With the Coronavirus pandemic at the moment, I am worried that most of my support workers don't have masks. I don't know where they have been or who they come into contact with in their daily lives and because I have spent almost three months in hospital/rehab, I don't want my health to be compromised, but I obviously need the support.
‘Only one of my support workers wears a mask. I really think that agencies should give all support workers masks, for their own protection, as well as their clients’ protection, although I understand it could intimidate some clients.’
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.