Skip to main content

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
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Together Project

This blog post is the third in the series inspired by my reflections on the abuse and neglect suffered by people with disabilities. The Together Project is an art collaboration designed to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. For me watching people's creations has made me reflect on my own life experiences. I know statistically between 85 to 90 % of people with disabilities may experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Until recently I would have said that I do not fit into that category but I am speaking up in this blog to demonstrate that abuse can be severe or subtle. Please read my poem 'Lock Box' to discover my true experience. For anyone that is interested in getting involved the exhibition will have a space at the 'Having A Say' Conference 2019 because together we can find a way. Lock Box A moment in fear all I hear is the ticking of the clocks.  I have an unhealthy obsession with security; I hide everything...
1 comment
Read more

A Vision for an Inclusive Australia (DRC Final Report)

 The final revised version of the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) into violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation was published on 2 November 2023.  The Royal Commission ran for four years with hundreds of people with disabilities testifying at hearings and thousands more supplying the Commission with written submissions.  The final report titled Our Vision for An Inclusive Australia  made 222 recommendations to improve laws, policies, structures, and practices to ensure a more inclusive and just society. That supports the independence of people with disabilities and their right to live a life free from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.  The report covers 12 volumes ranging from:  Voices of People with Disability  About the Royal Commission Nature and Extent of Violence, Abuse, and Exploitation Realising the Human Rights of People with Disability  Governing for Inclusion Inclusive Education, Employment, and Housing Enabling Autonomy an...
Post a Comment
Read more

Defend Our NDIS

 Defend our NDIS; people have had enough of cuts and changes to the NDIS. The Every Australian Counts campaign has organised a national day of action and events across Australia to take place on 28th of April.  I have been involved in the NDIS from the initial trial phase through to today. People may remember that I was involved in an advertising campaign spruiking the benefits to come once the scheme was up and running.  ‘You’re in charge! Yes we are, aren’t we!’ For awhile this was the truth for participants like myself. I have been very lucky and received 90 percent of what I need from NDIS.  The question is would I have received the same benefits if I was not a skilled disability advocate?  People with disabilities want the original version of the scheme that was promised without having to fight for a reasonable request. It would be a more efficient scheme if the government put the millions of dollars in legal fees into service delivery instead.  Accord...
3 comments
Read more