Rudi and Caley
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.
‘We're just saying the process probably needs reviewing and the people making these decisions … who are playing God need more education.’
Caley is Rudi’s mum. Rudi, who is in his 30s, has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
‘He's a clown. He's a really funny guy,’ Caley told the Royal Commission. ‘A very loving young man. Very social … Not a lot of verbal so he communicates in a variety of ways, some with pointing, some verbal, some signs, some computer programs.’
When the NDIS took over state-based disability support several years ago, Rudi’s funding fell by nearly $100,000.
‘It was put out there that nobody would be worse off financially than what they currently have … but he actually was quite underfunded.’
Caley said she had to change the hours she worked when Rudi lost most of his respite care and community activities.
‘[And] he wasn't able to do … weekend activities because he didn't have enough money because on weekends the charge-out rate is more.’
Caley asked the NDIA to review Rudi’s plan, a process that took nearly a year.
‘At times it was bizarre. It was designed to put people off.’
For example, the NDIA initially rejected funding to repair Rudi’s wheelchair because it said there was ‘no proof that the wheelchair was required for his disability’. It also told Caley that Rudi’s disability ‘affected him only 20 days a month, not 30 days a month’.
During the review, Caley collected more than a dozen reports from Rudi’s therapists.
‘They flew up an OT [occupational therapist] from Sydney for the day to do an assessment of [Rudi]. And I thought, “What does that mean? That means they haven't believed all of our evidence.”’
During the review, Rudi missed out on many of the supports he needs.
‘And we're having to go through hoops and do what we're told or nothing's going to happen. And it just seems an unnecessary process to me.’
The NDIA eventually accepted the therapists’ reports and Rudi now has a substantially increased NDIS package. He lives in supported independent living accommodation with full-time support workers.
‘Those carers take him out to various activities during the day … they will often go sailing, they go out for lunch and listen to music. They go for a walk in the park where they meet people … [he’s] getting out in the community.’
Caley said she’s ‘hugely grateful’ for the NDIS.
‘The NDIS has, like, given so many opportunities to people, where under the old … structure people would never have had this … But it was just frustrating to have to go through that process.’
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.