People with Disabilities ACT welcomes the Prime Minister’s Royal Commission into aged care, in particular looking into the care of young Australians with disabilities living in aged care.
“It’s long overdue, and we welcome the Royal Commission,” said Rachel Sirr, Executive Officer for People with Disabilities ACT.
“There are two important issues when it comes to young people with disabilities, and these must be reflected in the terms of reference for the Royal Commission.”
“Firstly, young people do not belong in aged care. It is not a fair or proper environment for young people with disabilities. We need to know exactly how many young people are in this situation. We want to know how these young people feel and what they would like to happen.”
“Secondly, care must be of the utmost and highest standard.”
Over the past five years, Four Corners and Lateline exposed disturbing evidence of the extensive patterns of violence and abuse experienced by people with disability.
The most recent publicly available statistics from 2010 show in the ACT there were 65 younger peopleliving in aged care.
“A mark of a good society is the compassion shown for those people who are vulnerable or have had difficult circumstances to overcome.”
On 20 September, people from the disability sector in Canberra will come together to discuss sustainable housing for people with disabilities over morning tea at the Griffin Centre.
All welcome – RSVP to admin@pwdact.org.au
For more information phone 0410 881 775
