In an exclusive imaginary interview, Axel takes time out from working on human rights complaints against the Australian government to shed light on his daily reality.
Reporter: “Axel, thank you for speaking with us. Can you tell us what supports you receive for your pain condition?”
Axel: “Supports? Oh, you mean the Positive Behaviour Plan? Yes, apparently, the answer to my hands and legs feeling like they’re on fire is for support workers to stop my ‘behaviour.’ I’d love to remind the government that I’m not a behaviour—I’m a human being. But alas, that seems lost on them.”
Reporter: “How does that affect your access to other services?”
Axel: “Funny you should ask. Being labeled a ‘behaviour’ means everyone just rolls with it. Need pain management? Experiencing insomnia or severe constipation? Must be behaviour. I can’t communicate my needs, and since my mum also has a disability, her interpretation doesn’t count either, even with a rheumatologist, a world renowned Professor of Metabolics and Genetics and the NDIA’S own specialist backing her. It’s a brilliant system, really—a behaviour blueprint in how to strip someone of their humanity.”
Reporter: “And financially?”
Axel: “Oh, I’m living large on my $400-a-week pension, which is about half my pain-related expenses. Meanwhile, my plan is so inflexible, I couldn’t get humanising art or music therapy even if I found a therapist willing to work for less than I make. It’s like they’ve taken every aspect of human rights and said, ‘Let’s make this optional for the most disabled people.’”
Reporter: “Any final thoughts?”
Axel: “Yeah, I’d love to see the government on a behaviour plan. Imagine their bills before parliament being labeled ‘behaviours’ and ignored. Their pleas for resources met with strategies to ‘de-escalate’ rather than solutions. Maybe then they’d understand what it’s like to be seen as a problem rather than a person.”
#NotABehaviour #PainIsReal #justaguytryingtostaydry
