Humanity Platform

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 t...

This post is in memory of Ann-Marie Smith; a woman with cerebral palsy who tragically and unnecessarily died recently. May she rest in peace. I Cry and Am Not Heard Groups of people go out with binoculars in search for that one rare bird Yet I cry and am not heard. Causing pain with a cane was outlawed years ago Yet I feel the bite day and night.  My soul is not dirty but I wait and wait to be clean; You're standing right there but I am not heard or seen. I do not ask for much even though I miss human touch. All I need is what's fair, just one person to care. I hear you call me Ann-Marie Smith, I am not heard. I listen to you whisper Tessa but I am not heard. You shout Tony but I am not heard. I am many people with disabilities, I am not heard. How many times have people with disabilities been told, 'It's different than it was back then, it will never happen again'. It's 2020; you have a vision of understanding and care...