The First Hearing of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission) commenced this week in Townsville. Focus this week has been on inequity for children with disability, especially those with Autism, sensory processing disorders and intellectual disability, in accessing and engaging in education.
On Monday, the Royal Commission heard how a 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome was dragged downstairs, ostracised by staff and humiliated by her primary school teachers. Other reports of ostracisation, isolation and lack of access to curriculum and participation were also noted.
You can view the webcast of the First Hearing of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. Streamed live from Townsville, Qld, Nov 4-7, 2019. The webcast includes closed captions and Auslan translations. There are five recordings available which can be accessed from the video settings list "Event posts".There are five recordings to choose from.
Community forums in Adelaide and Gawler in South Australia are scheduled for next week on the 12th and 14th of November respectively. Read more here: Community forums
Support Services for people interacting with or affected by the Royal Commission are available, including counselling, legal aid and financial assistance. Read our story relating to this for more information: Royal Commission support services
