The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) has reached out to all 1,400 residents living in Disability Service facilities in Victoria, with an Easy English feedback form to help maintain a connection during the current coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the Public Advocate, Colleen Pearce (pictured) said she had also written to all Disability Service Chief Executives, providers and staff to ensure they understood the role of OPA Community Visitors and their obligations to cooperate with OPA.
“Community Visitors are independent Governor-in-Council appointees under the Disability Act 2006,” Dr Pearce said.
“They make unannounced visits to monitor and report on residents’ human rights, to ensure they are free from abuse, well cared for as well as being supported with dignity and respect,” she said.
“By providing an Easy English feedback form and reply-paid envelope to each disability resident, we are sending a message that Community Visitors are still accessible and interested in their wellbeing, as well as being contactable, even though they are unable to do face-to-face visits.”
Dr Pearce said a number of residents had already sent back their feedback form and encouraged more to do so.
“For the most part, their concerns are the same as ours – they miss going out and doing the activities they enjoy,” she said.
“Some have taken the time to say they are being treated well but, sadly, there are also some allegations of abuse.
She encouraged people who worked in disability organisations to check whether their clients had completed the feedback form and, where possible, to support them in doing so.
“At a time when we are all so isolated, when we can’t make face-to-face visits, it’s more important than ever to hear the voices of people with disability and listen to what they have to say,” Dr Pearce said.
