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TikTok Turning Back the Clock on Disability Integrity

The past few months there have been some horrifying incidents that affect the entire disability community.

The tragic and unnecessary death of Ann-Marie Smith is a major indictment on disability care. Her situation should not occur in 2020 and the fact that the ironically named Integrity Care has only received a fine is just a disgrace. No matter how big the fine is it does not equal the price of Ann-Marie's life.

Just as the disability community was coming to terms with one tragic death, the appalling neglect of little Willow Dunn came to light. Where were the agencies that were supposed to be protecting her?

My anger reached boiling point when I read the story of the two Brisbane boys with Autism who were found locked in their house in filthy conditions despite neighbours reporting the neglect of the twins to authorities no action was taken.

As a further demonstration of current attitudes towards people with disabilities, I was forced to add my voice to the outrage over the TikTok Autism Challenge. The Autism Challenge is supposed to be "funny" but dancing to 'Let's Get Retarded' does not demonstrate the respect that people with disabilities deserve.

Thousands of disability advocates, including myself, have spent our entire adult lives advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

In 2020 our vision should be moving forward. It shouldn't be as if we are turning back the clock.

If you see or experience abuse, it is okay to speak up. It is okay to complain.



Under the Willow Tree

Ann-Marie Smith is walking in God's forest
When she comes across a baby Willow.
Where are those who are supposed to help her grow?
She pours out her love like water and takes her as her heavenly daughter.

The two sit and watch safely under God's canopy
And wonder what happened to care and integrity.
They watch the insane dance and whisper to each other
About the things they could have taught us if we had given them the chance.

Why do we have to put up with such unauthorised restraint?
Will people only take notice when disabled blood is splashed around like paint?
Let us gather under the Willow Tree, 
And protect the dignity of those with a disability.



© Chris Van Ingen - 5 June 2020
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