A 31-Year-Old Man with Severe Cerebral Palsy Speaks Out Against Abuse and Neglect in Supported Living

Mike Sherman, a 31-year-old man with severe cerebral palsy, shares his harrowing experiences of abuse, neglect, and inadequate care while living in supported housing for people with disabilities. Born prematurely and suffering a cardiac arrest at just two days old, Mike experienced a catastrophic brain bleed that led to his cerebral palsy diagnosis at 18 months.

The Struggle for Independence

Due to his condition, Mike requires 24-hour support and cannot perform tasks independently. “The hardest thing is not being able to do anything for myself,” Sherman says. “I can’t do a thing, and I have to trust the people around me to take care of me.”

A Decade of Suffering

Mike claims that he has suffered abuse, neglect, and inadequate care since moving into supported living in his mid-20s. He explains that staff members have physically abused him, withheld food or drink, and missed administering his medications. “I was just a job to the support workers rather than a human being deserving of care,” Mike laments.

The Fight for Change

Despite these hardships, Mike is using his experiences to educate healthcare students and advocate for improved treatment of intellectually disabled people. He has presented his story to various educational institutions, including NZMA health and wellbeing students, first-year Wintec occupational therapy students, representatives from Enabling Good Lives (a type of disability support funding), and Idea Services staff in Paeroa.

A New Beginning

After leaving the care home where he faced abuse, Mike now resides at Kōwhai House, a private home in Hamilton set up by the parent of another disabled person. “Overall, I have had really positive responses, especially amongst the students,” Sherman says.

Government Response

The Disabilities Issues Minister, Louise Upston, has expressed concern about Mike’s experiences of abuse and neglect. “Any experiences of abuse and neglect are concerning,” she says.

Moving Forward

Mike is working on a voice-over for his presentation to better connect listeners with his story. However, he currently relies on Driving Miss Daisy for transport due to a broken van.

Implications for Supported Living in New Zealand

Mike’s experiences shed light on the need for improved care and support for disabled individuals living in supported housing. The government must prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of these vulnerable citizens to ensure a better future for all.

Call to Action

It is crucial that we listen to the voices of those who have faced abuse and neglect in supported living. By educating ourselves and advocating for change, we can work towards a more equitable and compassionate society for all New Zealanders with disabilities.