Miss-Delectable
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Deaf, blind... soon homeless - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
AN ERSKINE family fear their deaf and blind daughter will be locked out of her disability support accommodation if they bring her home for Christmas.
Toni Atkinson (42) has complicated intellectual disabilities and a multi sensory disability. She shares a home with two women in Sea-scapes and is supported by professional staff.
There have been ongoing disputes between Midway Community Care and Toni’s parents Tim and Moira, which came to a head when Midway advised they planned to cease services for Toni because the organisation was no longer “in a position to provide accommodation services” for her.
Despite attempts at mediation, Toni’s parents claim their daughter must vacate her home no later than December 23.
Toni’s parents have organised alternate accommodation in Gosnells, but it will not be ready until March.
Mr Atkinson said he originally raised some concerns with Midway in October last year.
“My wife and I raised some issues in regard to the changes in treatment of client’s personal monies, and the amounts being charged to the clients for their rent and board,” he said.
“We requested an independent review of the fees and charges, but this was refused. We also felt the variety and regularity of community activities had decreased substantially.”
Mr Atkinson claimed that during a meeting with Midway management, they were told that “if any of us weren’t happy then we should move our daughters to another service provider, and (CEO) Patrick (Dudley) would assist to ensure this happens”.
Mr Atkinson claims the subsequent eviction and treatment of his daughter was unfair and unjust.
“We were absolutely dumbfounded,” he said.
“No reasons were given. This is the most disgusting thing I have ever encountered in all my 40 years of disability service.
“Up until now we have tried everything to get a reprieve for Toni until her new home in Gosnells is ready, but so far to no avail.”
A Midway Community Care spokeswoman said the organisation did not comment on individual cases.
AN ERSKINE family fear their deaf and blind daughter will be locked out of her disability support accommodation if they bring her home for Christmas.
Toni Atkinson (42) has complicated intellectual disabilities and a multi sensory disability. She shares a home with two women in Sea-scapes and is supported by professional staff.
There have been ongoing disputes between Midway Community Care and Toni’s parents Tim and Moira, which came to a head when Midway advised they planned to cease services for Toni because the organisation was no longer “in a position to provide accommodation services” for her.
Despite attempts at mediation, Toni’s parents claim their daughter must vacate her home no later than December 23.
Toni’s parents have organised alternate accommodation in Gosnells, but it will not be ready until March.
Mr Atkinson said he originally raised some concerns with Midway in October last year.
“My wife and I raised some issues in regard to the changes in treatment of client’s personal monies, and the amounts being charged to the clients for their rent and board,” he said.
“We requested an independent review of the fees and charges, but this was refused. We also felt the variety and regularity of community activities had decreased substantially.”
Mr Atkinson claimed that during a meeting with Midway management, they were told that “if any of us weren’t happy then we should move our daughters to another service provider, and (CEO) Patrick (Dudley) would assist to ensure this happens”.
Mr Atkinson claims the subsequent eviction and treatment of his daughter was unfair and unjust.
“We were absolutely dumbfounded,” he said.
“No reasons were given. This is the most disgusting thing I have ever encountered in all my 40 years of disability service.
“Up until now we have tried everything to get a reprieve for Toni until her new home in Gosnells is ready, but so far to no avail.”
A Midway Community Care spokeswoman said the organisation did not comment on individual cases.
