Hearing from other parents when cameras have been installed in places of accommodation the actual accommodation has improved and any mistreatment has shown up on the cameras, by those they never thought were doing it. Also noting that this can also have benefit for the workers to clear their name in incidents or if they themselves are hurt by anyone.
In my son's case he is most vulnerable because he cannot talk and say what happened to him. He needs the cameras for his protection and defense and justice just as all vulnerable people like him do. It is a breach of human rights for the vulnerable to not be protected, they have a right to be safe, just as children do and it is a government responsibility to see to it.
The government now needs to take up this mandate for our disability children young or adult, who cannot defend themselves or speak up when they are harmed. We should not ignore this human right being breached.
Talking to some empathetic people lately about the petition for cameras, they commented that its the same with the animal rights, animals cannot defend themselves or speak out and say they are in pain or upset.
AT least people are prosecuted or fined if they hurt an animal. STill cameras are often involved to prove the abuse as with the recent race horses in NSW being abused. It upset me alot to see it on camera.
My son cannot speak because of a neuro- disorder and humans normally communicate with speaking as their main communication or sign language. However it makes them vulnerable to those who would harm them. Lately in NSW and SA alone there are 100 serious incidents of violence a week against disability persons, yet there are no reports of prosecutions or fines against the people who do this.
To hurt a disabiity person is seen has acceptable or normalized in our society at present, and smoothed over by the 'carer' providers. It suits them to do this and be freed of all liability.
However, organizations need to take up responsibility for what happens on their watch and be penalized or punished in some way when a disability person is hurt. Just as day care organizations and workers are penalized. Why should the worker who mistreats a non verbal person get away with it?
In James case they say they 'dont know' what how or why the injury occurred. They know nothing. They claim they dont know what happened or ignorance. This is meant to cover everytime a disability person is hurt. So that whoever did it gets away with it. Without cameras no one listens least of all the justice system.
Enough! Whatever organization allows abuse to those in their care and covers it up should be penalized and if worker hurts a disability person should be punished. Not simply moved to another part of the organization.
We must not allow this to continue. Parents do not have to accept everything that happens in places where their children young or old stay, get respite, go to day programs or live permanently. Parents have the power to speak up for their children and take action.
Join me in taking action we must get back our power as parents and look to the needs of our children. No organization should get away with abuse or mistreatment of vulnerable disability people. We do not have to accept it. WE must make a stand against it.
Anndrea Wheatley