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Victorian Disability Worker Commission: Standard Bearer

Victoria once again is a leading light in disability services with the establishment and opening of the Disability Worker Commission on the first of July 2020. 

The Commission will receive and investigate complaints about disability workers. 

VDWC will focus on complaints and breaches of disability standards and code of conduct by support staff while the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission focuses on complaints about disability service organisations and NDIS funded supports. 

"People with a disability have a right to strong safeguards for services they rely on. That's why we're building a stronger, safer disability sector in Victoria." said Dan Stubbs, Victorian Disability Worker Commissioner. 

In my thirty-seven plus years living with a disability I have seen, heard, and experienced the best and worst of disability care. In the current health crisis and with recent high profile abuse and neglect cases, it is more important than ever that people with disabilities are made aware of the avenues available to us to make complaints and speak up about our care. 

The manslaughter charges brought against Ann Marie Smith's carer is just one disturbing example. 

To more adequately understand my deep feelings on this issue please read the following poem I was compelled to write. 



Standard Bearer


Everyone dreams of living life at its heights

But for some of us we have to fly the flag of disability rights.

People with disabilities are the ones that have to bear the standard of disability care.

You might say that it is reasonable and necessary or even fair but are you the one that lives there?


We are taught to see, hear, and speak no evil

But even today some of us experience circumstances that are nearly medieval.

We should be grateful for what we get. 

We are made to feel shame if we have the audacity to complain.


A worker should hold the standard in every thought, word, action, and absolutely everything

Otherwise the Disability Standards are only paper thin.

Why should we have to beg for permission?

Every carer that thinks that's right should have to resign their commission.


Now that there are new powers at our backs,

Let no person with a disability slip through the cracks. 

There is always fear of being left stranded.

It is up to everyone to hold carers to the standard. 


© Chris Van Ingen - 6 August 2020

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