I had a dream where everyone in Australia was equal and everyone had the right to reach for that stars and have determination over their own destiny. Presently for many minority groups in Australia this is not the case. As I reflect on the eve of another Every Australian Counts National Day of Action, I want to crawl into a ball and cry.
Today there are too many reminders that we as disable people are not value. I reflect this is also true of elderly Australians who built this country, but are mistreated, abused, taken advantage of, as other wait for them to die. While caregivers are put on a petals for the generous care given to others. I want to acknowledge in some cases this is genuinely deserve.
However in a free and demotic society, there shouldn't be a need for us and them terminology. We sing. 'we are one and free.'. How I wish this was true.
Not all Australians have equal access to accommodation, medical care, education, nourishment, legal representation. Too many people with disabilities still have no voice, live in isolation, inadequate care, live or work in settings that put them in dangerous situations.
I remember speaking at the opening of the NDIS office, I had a dream that one day that disable people were not seen or referred too as less fortunate. Sadly the language in this federal election campaign highlights my dream has not been achieved. Many like myself hoped the NDIS would usher in a new era in support and services for people with disabilities in Australia.
If anything political language tells us we are weak, we are less and we are unaffordable. I felt very proud when Dylan Ascort was named Australian of the year and yet I chock when support workers call me inspirational because I simply seek a better life for myself and others.
Today, I feel cheated. I feel like my NDIS plan is a bank account for others to exploit. Its Ok its money. Just pay the invoices'.' However it becomes my money once my budget us expended and I am forced to pay for services and equipment, out of my wages and pension because companies and individuals put their greed before my welfare.
Today some asked to be paid $40 per hour to play scrabble. Because that person see my greatest need is for company. Well at present my reality is pay the going rate or remain not supported. This person wants to engage with me for five hours, I then need to find time to work at $38 per our; make sure my personal, business, and invoices are paid; ensure my budget is on tack, Prepare my own dinner because my workers son has COVID and I have not energy to deal with someone who sees me as the person who pays their bills.
Today I feel totally worthless. That another human wants $40 per hour, so they feel better, so they can eat. Today I must choose to let her go or receive less support, Today, I decide her assistance, good will or charity is not with it. Today I don't know if I have support Friday or Monday.
Today maybe the risk of contracting COVID and dying is worth the risk of feeling devalued and having my spirt crushed and my soul destroyed.
Today, I don't want to fight to make the NDIS work. I pray tomorrow the urge to fight for secured funding for all disable people will return.
Tomorrow's tip to the government and the NDIA put a stop to services that treat us like of plans are a bank account and they can make withdrawals at anytime .
Come on Australia we are better than this.
