Message from RNZFB Board to all clients and members of Blind Low Vision NZ

Kia ora everyone,

Content warning: This subject may raise difficult emotional responses from readers.

You will have heard the news about The Royal Commission’s final report on the abuse and neglect of children, young people and adults in the care of the State and faith-based institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand between 1950 and 1999. Blind Low Vision NZ is mentioned in this report. Some news articles also mention Blind Low Vision NZ and our Chief Executive, Andrea Midgen, so I’m writing to you today to give you some insight into why our organisation has been included, even though we are not State, nor faith based.

The Royal Commission’s Inquiry spans a period of time between 1950 and 1999. During much of this period, societal attitudes towards disability in Aotearoa New Zealand were appalling. New Zealanders were expected to fit in and conform to a narrow definition of what was considered “normal”. As a result, disabled people disproportionately experienced abuse and neglect. Also, for much of this time, blind and low vision children were prevented or at least discouraged from attending their local schools, and Blind Low Vision NZ regarded itself and was regarded as the best option for their primary education.

A section of The Royal Commission’s report addresses this specific abuse and neglect and notes the representation of the blind and low vision community. The RNZFB Board and Blind Low Vision NZ express our sincere appreciation to the Royal Commission Inquiry and to those people who bravely came forward to recount what happened to them.

We have had a first look at the Report and will continue to take the time to carefully read and follow the recommendations of the Commission. You can access the full report on the Royal Commission’s webpage, at the bottom of which you will find the Executive Summary which is available in Te Reo, and alternate formats including large print, audio and Braille: Whanaketia – Through pain and trauma, from darkness to light | Abuse in Care – Royal Commission of Inquiry.

We hereby commit to acting in accordance with the recommendations contained in the report’s Part 9. These recommendations call on key leaders to make public acknowledgements and apologies based on strong engagement with affected communities. This is to be completed within six months.

In the meantime, we unreservedly apologise for any abuse inflicted on children and adults in our care.

We are committed to, and have a moral responsibility to, regularly review and discover whether the systems we have put in place to prevent further abuse are as robust as possible. These include our children’s policy, and our complaints policy (available on our website’s Contact Us page). It also includes all appropriate verifications and checks we carry out, including police checks of staff and volunteers.

We encourage clients who may not have come forward yet to reach out to the Survivor Experiences Service by phone to 0800 456 090 or Text 8328 or via the website survivorexperiences.govt.nz. The Survivor Experiences Service aims to provide a safe, supportive, confidential place where survivors of abuse in care, and their whānau, can share their experiences. This Service is being delivered by disabled people and they have taken steps to meet the needs of the blind and low vision community.

They can talk to you directly, or put you directly in touch with a support person. Also, their website lists some telephone helplines or services that offer support, information and help. All services are free. You can locate information here: Support available | Crown response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry (abuseinquiryresponse.govt.nz).

This is a difficult subject so please reach out to friends, family, whānau, and your loved ones. Even just a simple “Are you OK?” can make a big difference.

Clive Lansink

Board Chair

RNZFB Board