David French | 22/08/2011 10:21:54 AM

This article was first published in The Morning Bulletin under the heading Disability on 20 August 2011.

Last week’s nationwide morning teas supporting the Productivity’s Commission’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) were a celebration of what could be. Attended predominantly by disabled people and carers it was a privilege to be invited as Treasurer of Home Support Association. Kirsten Livermore, already dealing with a constituency snapping like wounded crocs, showed exquisite composure.

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s Balmain basket weavers argued for the dismantling of institutionalised care for the disabled. If you don’t remember, rent out “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Once you have seen it, tell me what happens after McMurphy escapes the institution?

Institutionalising anything makes my stomach churn, but if we dismantle even a poor system, then perhaps it’s a good idea to replace it with something that works as well or better. Alas, care for the disabled has been captured by those who think that the odd wheelchair and lift is sufficient, and ignored by Governments who don’t even consider supporting people who make many feel uncomfortable and cannot read a ballot paper. In the meantime, and despite medical advances, some parents have children that have no hope of ever participating in the real world. Some might choose to abort but again, science is not perfect, and in any event society says no. One lawyer friend’s 10 year old moves only on her bottom and hands. She will never speak, and despite the extensive intellectual, personal and financial resources of the family, the sense of despair is palpable. Other friends contend with the unpredictability of an autistic son. They have no clue why, and they are afraid to make friends, for fear of disgust.

My own family’s dealings with disability are much less challenging, and most of the people I associate with can cope. Good jobs, pretty bright. But what if you’re not? Think bankruptcy. Think divorce. Think desperately sick kids vying for a place in an overcrowded health system. Think children now grown up, eating from garbage bins or in gaol. Just look at the stats.

Support, however imperfect, exists for victims of tragic accidents. The tragedy of a child born disabled is very often, the sole responsibility of the parents. In a civilised society, the National Disability Insurance Scheme isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential.

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