One In Five for Sunday 23 March 2008

What happens, and what to do, when consumers rights are not respected when receiving disability and health services.

Robert Martin Self-Advocacy Coordinator IDEA Services talks about how he was affected by sexual abuse in a school and an institution for people with intellectual disabilities. In the past when people had little access to making a complaint, and what would help now. Tania Thomas, a Deputy Commissioner with the Health and Disability Commissioners Office has a responsibility for people with disabilities, Maori, people in prisons, and education. She talks about consumers of health or disability services rights, and what to do if abuse or inappropriate behavior occurs in the context of disability service provision. Why making a complaint can be difficult for people with disabilities, and people with intellectual disabilities in particular.