It’s heavy stuff – there’s no other way to put it when it comes to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (known as the Disability Royal Commission – DRC).
But to ensure people with disability, their families and supporters have their voices heard, the DRC is encouraging stakeholders to make submissions in a wide variety of formats.
You don’t have to limit yourself to a written or verbal submission, you can use video, art, song – or a combination of them all. In fact, creativity might just be the key to getting your point across so people really connect with your message and remember it!
Of the more than 5000 submissions (and more still coming!) the DRC has so far received, many have been presented in a non-traditional format.
People have been using their voice via artwork, poetry and even music videos – watch Inkrewsive hip hop crew in this captioned submission, ‘Superstar’.
One person who’s been prolific in making submissions is Laura Lewis from Wynnum, Queensland. She’s submitted written submissions as well as multiple artworks, including a collage with biro on canvas.
Laura describes herself as having autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and mental illness. She is also mother to a son with autism, ADHD, anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She told the DRC’s ‘Connect’ newsletter about the urgency driving her submissions.
“The reason I have been prolific with my submissions is because I’m really scared about the Royal Commission ending and all the recommendations fizzling out. It terrifies me,’ said Laura.
“I have the ability to do the submissions in different ways and formats and I do it because it really matters.”
Laura, a self-taught artist who started creating visual arts after her ADHD diagnosis at age 50, said she was making the visual submissions to encourage people to look at the situation differently. She calls it ‘artvism’ – activism through art.
“Images are so strong. They are so powerful. They take up space in a different part of your mind,” said Laura, who wants others with disability to use their creative forces as part of their voice.
“I hope that my involvement helps someone decide that they could make a submission via art or poetry or something different. That would help them to contribute and help them to feel like they’ve been involved. It does give you the opportunity to feel heard.”
To make a submission, you can record a video, write a post or post your artwork on Instagram using the hashtag #YourStoryMatters. Submissions can be made in writing, song, art and over the phone (1800 517 199). You can share your experiences and your views for a more inclusive society. Find the DRC on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/disability.royal.commission/
