Learning from a tragedy
The membership of the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (Oceania Academy) have been deeply saddened and distressed by the circumstances surrounding Ann Marie Smith’s death on the 6th April 2020, in Adelaide, and the emerging evidence about her quality of life.
Dr B-J Dee-Price, a member of Oceania Academy has compiled a report of public opinion (collected immediately after the news broke), which includes the views of 136 people in South Australia, most whom have a lived experience of disability.
This is a timely reminder to the membership and friends of Oceania Academy to spread the word and consider making submissions to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
Oceania Academy supports endeavours to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. As well as need for systemic change, there is a call for a grass roots campaign to encourage everyone to get to know your neighbour.
Oceania Academy has a commitment to advocating for issues of relevance to its membership, people living with cerebral palsy and other childhood onset disabilities across the lifespan, their families and caregivers and support networks.
The Advocacy and Awards Committee is currently considering options regarding how Oceania Academy can further contribute to preventing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people living with disability. Please contact the Advocacy and Awards Committee, Oceania Academy if you have ideas that you wish to share info@oceaniaacademy.org