Posts by Rosemary McDonald
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Access: Who Are Disabled New Zealanders?, in reply to BDB Inc,
"Without open honest talking nobody would know that their situation is not a one off thing, that other disabled people in NZ are experiencing the same discrimination."
Exactly.
If the aim is to make one feel alone and isolated....sure has worked!
Methinks BDB Inc...you have been around the block more than a few times.
You certainly seem to have grasped which end is up.
Maybe there is some hope for the future after all?
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Access: Who Are Disabled New Zealanders?, in reply to Sacha,
I have a copy of that persons 'testimony'. Prior to the case going to the HRRT this person was approached to bring the matter up at a regional meeting...did not happen. Some of what was said I agree with....some was obviously based on possibly personal experience that did not necessarly represent the majority. Whatever...the HRRT found that the policy was discrimination...and the concerns expressed by X could be easily addressed by monitoring.
The" Misery" of Health??? That's the word I used that got me bumped off the fb page!!! That, and "Miserly".
Seriously though, folk can get tunnel vision, only focussing on one issue and usually on their own experience...that's perfectly fine...UNLESS you are a card carrying spokesperson for a representative group. In that case...ALL experiences and situations have to be considered.
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"Usually I'd say support existing organisations who are doing that, but in this case I have major reservations about their effectiveness." Sacha
"You can make demands now, what are your demands? "BDB Inc
Agree 100% Sacha....I have reached the point of absolute despair at the lack of effectiveness of existing organisations.
Very, very good point BDB Inc. What are our demands?
I'll start. I would like to see a closer and more trusting relationship between DPO's and Carer groups...especially Family Carers. At present it seems that some disabled people view family carers poorly. I understand that 'independence' (whatever that means) has been hard won by many... but disabled people who choose live with family...parents, spouses, children etc....are treated differently than those who live 'alone' or away from family. Those of us who care for our loved ones and who asked to be paid for providing necessary care have been told by other disabled people that if we are paid then it will lead to "abuse, neglect and exploitation. " I am still reeling at this....and have totally failed to manage anything like a reasonable conversation about this with the top DPO...without that line being eventually trotted out.
I bet others can define their demands.
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Access: Defective, deficient, deviant…, in reply to Angela Hart,
Absolutely correct Angela. Nathan's death does not warrant a criminal charge because he had a disability. Had he been an 'able' child in day care for instance...the brownstuff would have hit the whirly thing for sure.
Our family new this young man. No way should he have EVER been left alone in a bath. His mother gave written instructions to the 'care' facility to that effect.
Even without those instructions...it was patently obvious to anyone remotely competent in the care of those with CP that he was at risk of drowning.
These 'facilities' must not be too choosey when it comes to hiring 'care' staff.
Rest in Peace, Nathan.
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Access: Who Are Disabled New Zealanders?, in reply to Angela Hart,
"Similarly, I believe, the various media have been obliged to become very careful and selective with their stories."
The media got the hard word from a certain organisation a while ago to only seek comments from DPO's when reporting on disability issues.
The same organisation recieves well over $500,000 in government funding for performing it's 'advocacy role'.
I attempted to contact the Minister for Disability Issues on the morning of the 17th May 2013....to be asked who I was...and was promptly told..."the Minister only talks to groups."
Even on facebook...the outlet for those desperate to communicate....I have been told to modify posts because I am criticising MPs or Government Departments.
One NZ wide representative organisation excommunicated me from their fb page because I criticised Ministry of Health policies. The CEO phoned me at home, on a Sunday morning to tell me to desist as they needed their MOH funding.
So seriously folks...are we ever more in need of uncompromised advocacy?