Silent Signals: Signs a Person with Disability Might Be Experiencing Violence

Written by Ibrahim Sesay on September 23, 2025. Posted in NDIS Safeguards & Participant Safety, Disability Rights & Advocacy → Family & Carer Perspectives.

Introduction

As someone committed to human rights and dignity, I’ve studied many reports, testimonies, and laws. What becomes painfully clear: people with disability are often exposed to violence in ways that go unseen. Under the NDIS, recognising those signs sooner isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for safety, legal compliance, and restoring trust.

Why People with Disability Are at Higher Risk of Violence under the NDIS

Dependence on others for personal care, communication, mobility, or financial matters increases vulnerability.
Barriers like communication difficulties, cognitive impairment, or being socially isolated make it harder to report abuse or even describe what’s happening.
Discrimination, stigma, or cultural misunderstandings can lead others to dismiss signs as “just part of the disability.” (This is a hidden bias: assuming the disability itself explains harms, rather than considering maltreatment.)
Research shows people with developmental/intellectual disabilities are abused or exploited more often, and for longer, than those without such disabilities. (AIHW)

Statistics:

Over 55% of people with disability aged 18–64 in Australia have experienced physical or sexual abuse since age 15 (Disability Royal Commission, 2024).
Lifetime exposure to violence (physical, sexual, emotional abuse, stalking) is 64% for people with disability, compared to 45% for those without disability. (Royal Commission)
Women with disability are almost twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared with women without disability (AIHW, 2022).

Physical Signs of Abuse or Violence

Unexplained or frequent bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones.
Injuries in various stages of healing (suggesting repeated harm).
Signs of restraint (marks or bruises consistent with being held down or restricted).
Sudden aversion to being touched, or fear of certain staff/support persons.
Changes in posture, limping, or other visible physical pain without clear medical cause.

Emotional and Behavioural Signs

Withdrawn behaviour: less social interaction, avoiding people they used to enjoy being with.
Anxiety, fear, panic when certain people are around.
Sleep disturbance, nightmares, or being unusually tired.
Sudden mood swings, episodes of crying, or depression.
Regressive behaviours such as becoming non-verbal.
Self-harm, or talk of wanting to harm themselves.

Changes in Daily Functioning, Independence or Support Needs

Decline in self-care: hygiene, grooming, feeding, toileting.
Skipping supports, therapy, or programs they used to attend.
Sudden refusal or fear to leave home or attend community activities.
Cognitive decline or delayed developmental progress.

Financial Exploitation or Service Misuse

Missing money, possessions, or assistive devices.
Sudden changes in banking, or someone else controlling finances without consent.
NDIS supports being claimed but not delivered.
Pressure to sign documents without proper explanation.

Barriers to Speaking Up for NDIS Participants

Communication barriers: lack of interpreters or assistive devices.
Fear of losing services or retaliation from carers.
Cultural or language barriers (particularly for CALD or migrant participants).
Lack of trust in legal systems or not knowing rights.

How Families, Support Workers, and Support Coordinators Can Help

Build trusting, consistent relationships.
Observe and document patterns of change.
Empower independence and decision-making.
Train staff in recognising abuse, trauma-informed care, and communication support.
Keep accurate case notes and incident reports.

Mandatory Safeguards and Reporting under the NDIS

Providers must report abuse, neglect, serious injury, death, or unauthorised restrictive practices to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Most reportable incidents must be submitted within 24 hours.
Use of unauthorised restrictive practices may allow up to 5 business days if no harm occurred.
All providers must have an incident management system in place. (NDIS Commission)

Steps to Take if You Suspect Violence (NDIS Commission, Advocacy Services, Police)

If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
Report concerns to the NDIS Commission (1800 035 544).
Call the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1800 880 052.
In NSW, contact the Ageing & Disability Abuse Helpline: 1800 628 221.
Disability Advocacy NSW offers independent support: 1300 365 085.
Review supports and providers with a trusted Support Coordinator.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Violence against people with disability is not a rare exception — too often it is hidden, normalised, or ignored. The statistics reveal a clear pattern: people with disability, especially women and those with cognitive impairments, face significantly higher risks.

Disability Families experience

Written by Ibrahim Sesay on September 15, 2025. Posted in The Experience of People with Disability, Disability Rights & Advocacy → Family & Carer Perspectives.

Introduction

Disability does not only affect individualsit profoundly shapes family life. For people with disability, family can be both a foundational source of strength and a place where significant challenges emerge. Experiences vary widely based on culture, available support systems, and family roles, but a constant remains: disability transforms relationships, responsibilities, and expectations in unique and lasting ways.

Family as a Source of Support

For many people with disability, family members are the primary line of support. Parents often become fierce advocates, navigating systems to secure appropriate education, healthcare, and community opportunities for their children. Siblings frequently develop heightened levels of empathy, resilience, and responsibility. Extended family, such as grandparents, can provide crucial emotional and practical care. In these cases, disability can strengthen familial bonds, creating units built on compassion, teamwork, and unwavering commitment.

Differences in Family Roles and Relationships

The experience of disability within a family varies significantly depending on the specific relationship dynamics:

Parents: Parents of children with disability often balance deep love with considerable stress as they manage complex medical care, financial strain, and long-term planning.
Siblings: Siblings may sometimes feel overlooked or pressured into caregiving roles, yet they often also develop a unique and profound closeness with their brother or sister.
Adult Children with Ageing Parents: Adults with disability living with elderly parents may experience a shift in the relationship as both generations navigate their own evolving health challenges.
Partners and Spouses: For couples, disability can reshape dynamics around intimacy, financial contributions, and the division of household responsibilities.

Challenges and Tensions

Not all family experiences are positive. Families can face considerable stress, conflict, and misunderstanding. Cultural attitudes may lead to stigma or shame, preventing open communication about disability. Financial pressure and a lack of external support are major sources of strain and can lead to resentment or caregiver burnout. In some cases, well-intentioned overprotection can limit the independence of the person with disability, creating tension between the need for care and the desire for autonomy.

The Role of Culture and Community

Cultural expectations powerfully influence how disability is perceived and managed within families. In some communities, disability is viewed as a private, lifelong family responsibility. In others, independence and the use of external support services are encouraged. These cultural differences shape critical decisions about education, employment, and future care. Community acceptance—or the lack thereof—also plays a key role in determining whether families feel supported or isolated.

Building Inclusive and Supportive Family Relationships

Families thrive when they receive adequate support. Open communication, counselling, and peer support groups can help members navigate complex emotions. Practical services like respite care, family therapy, and NDIS supports are vital for reducing stress and creating space for healthier relationships. Crucially, recognising that people with disability are not just care recipients but active contributors to family life helps shift attitudes and promotes equality within the household.

Conclusion

The experience of people with disability within families is complex and diverse. It can be a journey that deepens love and connection, while also presenting unique strains and challenges. Supporting both individuals and families through inclusive policies, accessible services (like the NDIS), and broader community acceptance is vital. When families are empowered with the right resources and understanding, they can become powerful spaces of belonging where every member, including those with disability, can thrive with dignity, balance, and respect.

Key Statistics and Sources

Informal Care in Australia: In 2018, there were approximately 2.65 million informal carers (family and friends) in Australia, representing 10.8% of the population. A significant proportion of these carers support people with disability.
- Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers.
Financial and Emotional Strain: Carers of people with disability report higher levels of financial stress and psychological distress compared to the general population.
- Source: Carers Australia – The State of Caring Report.
Sibling Perspectives: Research indicates that siblings of people with disability often report positive outcomes like increased empathy and maturity, but may also experience anxiety about future care responsibilities.
- Source: Siblings Australia – Research and Evidence.
Impact of the NDIS: The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been shown to improve the wellbeing of participants and their families by providing choice, control, and access to necessary supports, though challenges with implementation remain.
- Source: NDIS – Quarterly Reports.
Global Prevalence: Over one billion people, or about 15% of the world’s population, live with some form of disability. The vast majority are supported within family structures.
- Source: World Health Organization (WHO) – Disability and Health.

Older Parents Supporting a Child with Disability

Written by Ibrahim Sesay on September 15, 2025. Posted in Elderly Parents Caring for a Child with Disability at Home, Carer Support / Disability Care in Australia, Disability Rights & Advocacy → Family & Carer Perspectives, Disability Rights & Advocacy → Justice & Legal Issues.

Across Australia, thousands of elderly parents continue to care for their children with disability well into adulthood. This caregiving is almost always offered with deep love and commitment, but as the years go by, it often comes with heavy costs—physical strain, financial stress, and emotional worry. Many parents are not only focused on managing today’s challenges, but also haunted by a bigger question: “Who will look after my child when I no longer can?” Recognising these realities is essential, because supporting elderly carers through financial help, health services, respite, and future planning protects not only their wellbeing but also the long-term security and independence of their children.

As parents age, the very tasks that once felt manageable can become overwhelming. Physical health conditions such as arthritis, back pain, or reduced mobility make daily care—lifting, bathing, cooking, or managing medications—much harder. If a child has complex health needs, the demands can be even greater and at times impossible to manage without support. Financial strain is also a common reality. Many parents who are retired or living on a pension still need to cover disability-related expenses such as medical equipment, therapies, or transport. On top of this comes the heavy emotional weight of uncertainty. For many, the greatest worry is not about today but about the future—what will happen to their child once they themselves are no longer able to provide care.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides a vital lifeline of practical supports that can ease this pressure. NDIS plans may include personal care, therapies, assistive technology, community participation programs, and respite services. For elderly carers, respite is particularly valuable because it allows them time to rest, recover, and manage their own health while knowing their child is safe. Working with a support coordinator or local area coordinator is an important step to ensure the NDIS plan reflects both the participant’s needs and the family’s circumstances. At the same time, elderly parents themselves may be eligible for help through My Aged Care, which provides home care packages, domestic assistance, and carer respite. Used alongside the NDIS, this dual support system can significantly reduce pressure, as the child receives targeted disability supports while the parent receives aged care assistance. With careful planning, families can use both systems to remain together safely at home for longer.

Financial assistance is another critical part of supporting elderly carers. Centrelink provides two key payments: the Carer Payment, which is an income support payment for those who cannot work due to full-time caring responsibilities, and the Carer Allowance, which is a supplementary payment to help cover the additional costs of care. These payments can make a major difference for families trying to manage on limited retirement incomes while still providing constant support for their adult child with disability.

Despite these supports, one of the most difficult challenges remains planning for the future. Elderly parents often ask themselves how their child will be cared for when they are no longer around. Future planning may involve writing or updating a will, appointing a guardian or trustee, or setting up a Special Disability Trust to provide financial security. Families may also explore supported independent living options or community housing solutions that can ensure safety and stability in the long term. Navigating these decisions is not easy, but disability service providers and advocacy organisations can offer guidance, resources, and reassurance throughout the process.

The emotional impact of caring should not be overlooked. For older parents, caring can be isolating, especially if social networks have faded or health problems limit their ability to connect with others. Support groups, community organisations, and online forums offer a vital source of encouragement and practical advice. Counselling and mental health services are also important, giving carers tools to cope with stress, grief, and the deep concerns about their child’s future wellbeing. Staying connected to community support helps parents feel less alone in their journey and more confident in their ability to manage ongoing challenges.

Elderly parents who care for their child with disability shoulder an extraordinary responsibility, often sacrificing their own health and wellbeing in the process. While Australia has strong systems in place—the NDIS, My Aged Care, Centrelink payments, and various community networks—many families still find it difficult to navigate these programs and coordinate them effectively. Recognising and supporting elderly carers is not simply about easing today’s burden. It is about ensuring stability, dignity, and peace of mind for the carers themselves, while securing independence and a safe future for their children with disability.

How to Find NDIS Disability Support Near You

Written by Ibrahim Sesay on September 12, 2025. Posted in How Do I Find Local Providers Offering NDIS Disability Support?, Disability Rights & Advocacy → Cultural Perspectives, Disability Rights & Advocacy → Family & Carer Perspectives, NDIS Guides & Provider Selection.

Introduction: Your Provider, Your Partnership

Choosing the right NDIS provider is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make on your NDIS journey. It’s more than just hiring a service; it’s about forming a partnership with an organization that will directly impact your quality of life, the achievement of your goals, and your overall well-being. The right NDIS provider in Sydney will feel like an extension of your support network—responsive, respectful, and genuinely invested in your success. This guide will walk you through the practical steps to find and select a provider that is the perfect fit for you or your loved one.

4 Ways to Find Local NDIS Providers

Knowing where to look is the first step. Here are the most effective methods for finding NDIS providers in your area.

The Official NDIS Provider Finder: Located within the myplace portal, this is the most direct tool for finding registered providers. You can filter by your location (postcode) and the specific supports you need.
Online NDIS Directories: Independent platforms like Clickability and MyCareSpace are invaluable resources. They allow you to compare providers side-by-side, read verified reviews, and view detailed service descriptions.
Local Google Search: A simple search for “NDIS provider near me” or “NDIS provider Sydney” can yield great results. Check Google Maps listings and business profiles to see contact details, hours, and customer reviews.
Community and Professional Referrals: Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth. Ask your local community centre, disability advocacy group, or allied health professionals (like your therapist or doctor) for recommendations. If you have a Support Coordinator, they are an excellent resource for curated provider suggestions.

What to Look for in a Quality NDIS Provider

Once you have a list of potential NDIS providers, it’s crucial to know what questions to ask. Look for these key qualities:

Relevant Experience: Do they have experience supporting people with similar goals or disability types to yours?
Services That Match Your Plan: Ensure they offer the specific supports you’re funded for, whether it’s personal care, community access, or therapeutic supports.
The Right Values and Approach: Seek out providers whose values align with yours. Look for mentions of being person-centred, trauma-informed, or culturally sensitive.
Transparent Communication: They should be clear about their pricing (in line with the NDIS Price Guide), availability, and service agreements from the outset.

Why Choose Love and Hope with No Steps as Your NDIS Provider in Sydney?

At Love and Hope with No Steps, we are a registered NDIS provider dedicated to serving participants across Sydney. We understand that you are looking for more than just a service; you are looking for a trusted partner.

What sets us apart:

Social Work-Led & Trauma-Informed: Our team is led by qualified social workers, ensuring a deep understanding of complex needs and a commitment to ethical, empowering care.
Comprehensive Services: We offer a full range of supports, from personal care and skill development to community participation and expert support coordination.
Multicultural & Inclusive: We pride ourselves on providing culturally sensitive support that respects your background and individual journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find local NDIS providers?
A: You can use the official NDIS Provider Finder, online directories like Clickability, or a simple Google search for “NDIS provider [your suburb].”

Q: Can I choose any provider?
A: If you are self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose any provider (registered or unregistered). If you are NDIA-managed, you must use NDIS-registered providers.

Q: Is Love and Hope with No Steps a registered NDIS provider?
A: Yes, we are a fully registered NDIS provider offering services across Sydney.

Ready to Find Your Ideal Support Partner?

Your journey to finding the right support starts with a conversation. We invite you to reach out and see if our approach is the right fit for your needs.

Contact Love and Hope with No Steps today on 0432 690 241 or email us at [email protected]. Let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your goals and build a more independent, connected life.