Rosalind
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.
Rosalind is in her late 40s and has an acquired brain injury, which she says has ‘been steadily worsening’ over the years. Prior to her injuries 25 years ago, she was a disability support worker. She says she has gone from being a ‘Service Provider to a Disability Service User’.
Rosalind told the Royal Commission she was treated poorly by a disability advocate employed to help her access NDIS services.
Rosalind had applied for the NDIS several times, but each time had been rejected.
She decided to seek the support of a professional advocate. She needed someone who understood the scheme’s procedures and requirements, would listen to her concerns and help her understand her rights.
Rosalind met with Orla, a disability advocate, but things didn’t get off to a good start. Orla made some comments Rosalind found ‘inappropriate and unprofessional’. At one point she spoke in a loud and aggressive tone, telling Rosalind, ‘You won’t get a case manager.’
Rosalind began to wonder what qualifications her advocate possessed, and to question Orla’s willingness to work together. Orla was telling her what the NDIS decision would be before she and Rosalind had even reached an agreement on an advocacy plan or the process going forward. Rosalind found this frustrating and stressful.
The next time they met, Rosalind started by apologising to Orla for the way their last discussion went. The advocate did not acknowledge the apology or respond and Rosalind was struck by her lack of interpersonal skills.
In the 12 months they worked together, Rosalind said Orla showed little motivation to fulfil her employment obligations, and was careless and disinterested. ‘I was given the clear impression that it was rude of me to bother [Orla] on trivial matters when she was so busy with legitimate concerns.’
Since her first meeting with Orla, Rosalind felt judged and censored. ‘[She was] minimising my input into my future,’ Rosalind said.
Their working relationship deteriorated to such a state that Rosalind ‘developed a PSTD response to the sight and sound of [Orla’s] name’.
Rosalind worries her experience is all too common.
‘What if Disability Advocacy is always conducted like this? What if this is industry standard now? Are people are struggling to access the NDIS because this is the only type of Advocacy available?’
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.