Thread by @PWDAustralia

The Royal Commission is back from recess and we will be live tweeting from here for the next few hours.
#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Rachel Spencer from @CIDvoice (Senior Manager Inclusion Projects) is now giving evidence. Ms Spencer describes her role overseeing projects promoting the inclusion of people with intellectual disability #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

@CIDvoice focuses on health, transport, education and safety for people with ID (intellectual disability). The majority of the board are people with ID.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

CID felt that the health department should have acted earlier on a plan for people with ID during COVID. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

The plan was developed very quickly. Ms Spencer expresses concern that there was not enough time to properly consult people with ID. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Ms Spencer is speaking about the report CID in consultation with people with intellectual disability, "COVID19 Leave no one Behind". The report can be found here: cid.org.au/resource/covid…

People living in group homes or whose live are dominated by support services, found there were a lot of restrictions on movement. Who they were allowed to see, who was allowed to visit. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

They are now discussing the recommendation in the report the the health department provide information on safety using public transport for people with ID. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

CW: Mention of suicidal thoughts.

One person with ID spoke about being isolated in his room for 3-4 days after possibly being exposed to #COVID19. This was extremely stressful, and he spoke about having suicidal thoughts during that period. #DisabilityRC

Ms Spencer is speaking to whether CID's recommendations in the report were implemented by the Health Department following its release. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

Ms Spencer is reading a statement from a person with ID about trouble getting access to testing due to conflicting information from different authorities and confusing online systems to find results. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

Work was missed due to delays in getting access to information. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

Ms Spencer emphasises the persistence and resourcefulness of some people with ID to get the information they need within complicated systems, with information that is not always easy to follow. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

The Commission welcomes Kirsten Deane OAM, Campaign Director for @EveryAustralian Counts & Executive Director of the National Disability and Carers Alliance, Melbourne, and Leah van Poppel CEO of @wdv (Women with Disabilities Victoria).

Ms van Poppel is speaking about WDV, a DPO formed 25 years ago as a feminist collective. Majority of staff and board are women with disability. We work to inform government about chances needed, and against violence committed against women with disability.

Ms Deane has an extensive history working in the disability sector and has worked previously with Commissioner Galbally #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

Ms Deane was key in the compilation of the Shut Out Report. The report can be found here: dss.gov.au/our-responsibi…

Ms van Poppel has indicated in her statement that women with disability experience higher levels of social isolation, one of the drivers of domestic violence. #COVID #DisabilityRC

Ms van Poppel is speaking about how we know anecdotally that fewer family are friends are visiting during COVID. This is imposing greater isolation on women with disability during this period, potentially raising risks of family violence during the pandemic. #COVID #DisabilityRC

Reporting of domestic violence has actually decreased during #COVID19, and there is a concern that one reason for this may be that women are now consistently in close contact with perpetrators due to lockdowns, and may not feel safe reporting. #DisabilityRC

Ms Van Poppel in now speaking on safety in public spaces, particularly during times of panic buying. There is a sense than if you are unable to social distance or have difficultly understanding the rules, you may be at more risk of being confronted by police in public.

Ms Van Poppel is speaking about work situations. PWD have been concerned about being forced back into the workplace when they do not feel safe to do so if they work in an essential service. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

Ms Deane is speaking about PWD experiencing "costs going through the roof". People were initially not allowed to buy PPE with NDIS funds, so this was an out of pocket cost. About 50% of PWD are living in poverty and have been "pushed to the limit".

Ms Deane: "Life is a juggle at the best of times ... some of these very, very precariously balanced lived were thrown into complete turmoil."

Ms Deane is referring to this survey and it's key messages: everyaustraliancounts.com.au/left-out-and-l…

Ms Deane is speaking about the importance of having a communication device to access online services and supports. The NDIA was asked if this could be provided by the NDIS. The NDIA agreed, but the information around the policy kept changing and access is not straightforward.

Some people were afraid that they had purchased a device before the rules changed and that they would have to pay back funds. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

People had to get a letter from providers indicating they *needed* the device before they could purchase it. This was against the philosophy of the NDIS which is supposed to provide choices. Instead PWD had to approach providers "hat in hand" for permission to buy devices.

Ms Deane is concerned that there are many PWD who don't, or can't, engage with orgs like Every Australian Counts, and emphases the importance of well funded advocacy to make sure those voices are heard. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

Dr Galbally asks what strategies can be used to deal with isolation as a driver of family violence.

Ms Van Poppel supports ensuring women with disability have access to community gatherings and advocacy. #COVID19 #DisabilityRC

The Royal Commission is now adjourned for lunch. Thanks for following! We will be back after the break.

And we're back! We will be hearing some pre-recorded statements/interviews. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Speaking now with Samantha Dwyer - Lived experience witness from Brisbane. Ms Dwyer is 28yo and diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia. Ms Dwyer has recently moved out of a group home and now lives independently. Much preferable situation. More control. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Covid has changed the way Ms Dwyer receives support. Fewer services. Less capacity to leave the house. Social media has been helpful though, especially when it came to receiving updates from the news. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Ms Dwyer's message to able-bodied people at this time is "Welcome to my world". Able-bodied people are now experiencing limitations out of their control when it comes to leaving the house that many PWD have experienced for a long time.#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Ms Dwyer also urges everyone to taking COVID very seriously as elderly people and people with underlying health conditions are in particular danger. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

We are now speaking with Anthony Mulholland who is a First Nations man with an intellectual disability. Mr Mulholland expresses frustration over the mixed messages that came out when COVID19 began. He worked out the rules from support workers and family. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Mr Mulholland felt very isolated and nervous about going out because people were being fined and the rules weren't clear. He can't always depend on others to buy basics so he does it himself. He was approached by a police officer at one point which made him confused and scared.

Mr Mulholland usually supports people who live in group homes to go out into the community. It has been hard to continue this work with the restrictions. He has tried to encourage them that everything was going to be okay. They were struggling with changes to routine. #Covid19

Mr Mulholland has communicated the changes to the rules with pictures. He has suggested that technology be developed to share changing information and to help people to adapt. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Mr Mulholland emphasises that the most difficult thing for him has been keeping up with the changes. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

We are now hearing from Sarah Yahya - Lived experience witness from the ACT. Ms Yahya works in communications and has experience working with refugees. Ms Yahya has a hearing impairment, and has found communication during COVID19 very difficult. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Ms Yahya has experienced difficulty lip reading with the rules regarding masks. She appreciates that news presenter's have not worn masks, and appreciates that there have been public explanations regarding *why* it is important for news presenter's faces to be seen. #DisabilityRC

Ms Yahya is concerned that PWD are being exposed to thoughtless/hurtful comments about PWD during #COVID19. She is concerned that PWD are becoming less likely to disclose their disability in the future, and this impacts progress when it comes to inclusion. #DisabilityRC

Ms Yahya is, and works with people from from a CALD background. She expresses concerns over how people may be struggling with the rapid updates, and knowing what services are available. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Are we actively building trust with people from CALD backgrounds? When people are afraid, they may isolate themselves and their families and not access the health and community services that are available. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

People may be getting information from international news sources rather than local services. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

It's important to work with community leaders, to build relationships and trust, and share up to date information taylored to the values of individual communities. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

The Commission welcomes Mary Sayers, CEO of @CydaAu Children and Young People with Disability. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

We will now be focussing on the issue of education. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

We are now watching a Ted Talk video with Tim Chan - Lived experience witness from Victoria, demonstrating how he communicates using talking keyboard. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

We are now hearing a pre-recorded message from Mr Chan. He speaks about feeling especially isolated as his method of assisted communication makes it more difficult to communicate with reduced support services. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Mr Chan is worried because his mother is at high risk of COVID due to her age. He has had high levels of anxiety and trouble sleeping and increased seizures. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Mr Chan has experienced difficulty wearing a mask due to intense sensory sensitivities. He is aware that some PWD, may not be able to wear masks. #Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Mary Sayers is now speaking about the uncertainty that families face at the beginning of the pandemic.

She mentions the lack of access to essential supplies, and also the loss of support services.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Sayers says that information about COVID-19 was not made accessible for children and young people with disabilities and their families.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Mary Sayers is back talking about how online learning affected students with disabilities.

The shift to online learning meant that the course curriculum was not adequately modified.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Some key findings from @CydaAu survey:

72% of students with disabilities were more socially isolated
61% said students with disabilities had not received adequate support during the pandemic

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

@CydaAu Education needs for a lot of students changed during the pandemic, and these changes were not properly met.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

@CydaAu Sayers talks about the absence of planning around supporting children and young people with disabilities during the crisis.

She says ableist attitudes were a major driver in this, by placing individual blame to students.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

@CydaAu A large proportion of students with disability were at a disadvantage in remote learning.

Sayers references the @CydaAu survey, saying that when students were provided with proper support and social inclusion, students were much better off.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Sayers says that students and young people with disability need to be included in disaster and crisis planning, as they are often excluded from these plans.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Sayers says it was difficult to get data on how students would be impacted by the return to in-person learning.

She says this was a concern because it seemed premature, and there would be severe impacts for students with disability.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Now discussing the increase of domestic and family violence in Australia during the pandemic.

It's noted that the more time children spent in abusive households, it increases exposure to family violence.
#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Commissioner Bennett asks about what needs to be put in place for the recovery of education for children with disability.

Sayers responds say that the recovery shouldn't be looked at separately, but that we should tackle underlying inequality that exists.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Sayers says we need to look at the research and the impact of how this pandemic has affected students with disability.

We need to look at how we can build on the evidence, and plan for how a recovery can be made.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Commissioner Galbally asks about the exclusion of children and young people from crisis response advisory committees.

Sayers says that children and young people with disability and their advocacy groups are often excluded from representative bodies.
#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

We are now adjourning for a 15 minute break. Grab some tea and a snack, we'll be back to tweeting at 4pm!

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

We're now back in session and we'll be hearing from Catalina Devandas, who is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is joining us from Geneva.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

As a Special Rapporteur, she works in the representation and implementation of human rights for people with disability, including implementation of the UN CRPD.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Devandas says that in planning and responding to emergencies, we should move away from charitable and medical models, and shift to a more human rights based approach.

The charitable and medical models don't meet the needs of people with disability.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

She says these models focus on the persons impairments, and focus on "fixing" them.

The social model focuses on the barriers that exist within communities and society.

You can learn more about the social model on our website: bit.ly/34eR0js

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Devandas says that disability inclusive responses to emergencies are critical, and that they not only need to participate in the process of building a response, but also benefit from the response.

bit.ly/34eR0js

In terms of COVID-19, Devandas speaks about the impact of the pandemic on the health of people with disability.

She says that there are a lot of barriers that exist for people with disability when trying to remain healthy during this virus.

bit.ly/34eR0js

This includes the lack of accessible information, and lack of access to proper health care and support.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

In terms of education and other essential services, Devandas says that people with disability are the least likely to benefit from remote learning solutions.

"Support was not in place to accommodate the needs of these students"

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

In terms of employment, people with disability were also more likely to lose their job.
#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

For people with disability in institutions, there is grave danger for during the pandemic.

Devandas says these institutions have become the hot-spots of these pandemics, with many fatalities.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Devandas also highlights the intersection of women with disabilities, and says that children, women, and girls are at risk during lockdown shelter-in-place orders.

Many people are in lockdown in households where there is violence and abuse.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Children no longer have access to schools and teachers for help, and may not be in a position to get support.

Support services for survivors of domestic violence are spread thin.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

"It is imperative to guarantee that all COVID-19 responses are disability inclusive"

Devandas has aided in creating practical guidance documents for the creation of accessible and inclusive state responses to COVID-19.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Eastman asks about the use of data for future emergency planning.

Devandas says we have seen some examples of people implementing measures to make emergency response more inclusive, but we are still lacking proper data on how we can do better.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Devandas speaks about the CRPD, saying that everything that is being done under public policy, needs to be done in a human rights framework.

The lack of a strong human rights framework has resulted in inadequate, or complete lack thereof, responses.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Services and support needed for people with disability to participate fully on equal basis as others needs to be fully provided, as well as accessible and of good quality.

This means getting rid of segregation in our education and in our communities

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

Com. Galbally asks about the roots of violence & abuse being in segregation and institutions, and if there are examples of how to address this.

Devandas says that many institutions have taken certain precautions, but we need to move away from institutions.
#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

That wraps up the evidence from Catalina Devandas.

#Covid19 #DisabilityRC

That concludes the proceedings for today.

The commission will return tomorrow morning at 9:30am.

See you then!
#Covid19 #DisabilityRC