Left Waiting and Worsening

THREE years after applying for a transfer and Mark “Bones” Curtis’ cerebral palsy is worsening, but Compass Housing has failed to him a place in Newcastle or Maitland where he can be close to rehabilitation services and public transport.

The wait has become more discouraging since Bones said he saw another Compass Housing tenant who wanted a carport, relocated to Newcastle in only a matter of months.

Mr Curtis has become so frustrated with Compass he is trying to rent privately, but even then the red tap means he misses out on most places.

“They are as useless as an ashtray on a motorbike,” said Mr Curtis.

“They have shown me some places which are too far from the train station to get to on my scooter, or there are no footpaths for my scooter,” he said.

At a forum conducted by Compass Housing in Muswellbrook, Lisa Teirney, a Compass representative suggested Bones may be eligible for a newly built house under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, but it could take years to build.

“I don’t care about a new house, I’d rather have a two bedroom flat, where my carer can be when I need 24/7 care and somewhere close to a train station now,” he said.

“And if they build these new places they will probably be in new estates not near a train station anyway,” he said.

“They have told me they can’t modify an existing flat to accommodate my wheelchair, but why not?!

“It would be much cheaper and quicker than building a whole new house!

“We’ve since found out they can make modifications, but they still haven’t done anything,” he said.

Didier Costoun, who is a friend and neighbour said he is trying to help Bones, but worries how many other people with disabilities are in the same situation.

“He’s even tried looking at private rentals, but the problem is by the time you go through the carers, the NDIS and everyone the place is gone,” said Mr Costoun.

“Private rentals are off the market within days and there is no hope of getting everyone he needs to sign off organised in that time,” he said.

“I don’t know how he is staying so calm, it is so frustrating to watch and I worry how many other people with disabilities are in his same position,” Didier Costoun said.

Mr Curtis uses a keyboard to communicate and his condition is worsening everyday without therapy which is available in cities.

Related stories:

• Editorial: System a Cruel Joke – November 20, 2017.
• Restricted by Red Tape – December 7, 2016.
• Compass Buck-Passing but Light in Sight – December 14, 2016.