Stories from people the system has failed—the institutionalised, the homeless, the silenced. Named, pseudonymous, or anonymous.
Robert, aged 63, resided in Specialist Disability Accommodation. He had an NDIS plan for daily independent living support.
Cameron was a 31-year-old man with complex health conditions who lived in specialist disability accommodation. He died in hospital from aspiration pneumonia.
Louise, aged 49, died from aspiration pneumonia in 2020. Her death, which occurred while she was in care, prompted an investigation by the Disability Services Commissioner.
Michael, aged 56, who had Down syndrome, intellectual disability, and Alzheimer’s dementia, died from Influenza B in a hospital setting. His death, while residing in an NDIS-funded Specialist Disability Accommodation, led to a coronial investigation.
Susan, aged 74, died in care from acute renal failure complicating decreased oral intake in the setting of Angelman Syndrome. Her care was found to be reasonable and appropriate.
Jacqueline, aged 60, died in Specialist Disability Accommodation following a period of palliative care. Her death was reported to the coroner as being 'in care'.
Darryn, aged 22, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and prescribed medication. He was living in the community with his family when he disappeared.
Julie died at 59 years old. Her death was found to be from natural causes in a Specialist Disability Accommodation facility.
Christopher, an incarcerated man with diabetes and foot ulcers, repeatedly declined medical treatment for his worsening condition. He later died in hospital from complications related to an infected ulcer.
Carol, aged 49, died in hospital following a cardiac procedure, after being found unresponsive in the Coronary Care Unit.
Baby, aged 3, had complex medical needs and was under a Care by Secretary Order. She died in hospital in 2024 due to complications from severe cerebral palsy.
How has the NDIS, healthcare, education, or other systems affected you or someone you support?
Have you found supports, strategies, or people who actually help? We want to share what good looks like.
What would actually close gaps instead of widening them? Policy critique with receipts.
Your story published with your name and any identifying details you're comfortable sharing.
Your story published under a chosen name. Details changed to protect identity while preserving the truth.
Your story published with no identifying information. We protect your identity completely.