Terrified, anxious, heartbroken, alone, scared, gutted, thrown under the bus – these are just some of the reactions parents of disabled, immunocompromised and medically fragile children have had to the government’s decision to remove the vaccination education mandates and remove the need for the vaccine passes.

Awhi Nga Matuaan online community for parents of tamariki with disabilities, has been a place where parents have come together to share their surprise and devastation at the changes announced by the government today.

Awhi-Nga Mātua founder Elizabeth Goodwin and director Emily Writes say they hope the government will listen to parents of immunocompromised children who were caught off guard by the announcement.

Director Emily Writes says she hopes the government sees the mamae in the community and takes into consideration the pain the announcement has caused an already vulnerable and isolated community.

Awhi-Nga Mātua founder Elizabeth Goodwin said the community shared their shock at the announcement throughout the day.

“Parents of disabled and immunocompromised children often already feel very isolated. They have been hit hard. They have been isolated for a long time, many since the start of the pandemic – and they feel left behind by today’s announcement today.”

“This announcement further forces vulnerable families to return to their homes. Children who could previously be in school because their parents knew their teachers were vaccinated must now reevaluate that choice.

“Our parents tell us that vaccinated teachers and caregivers are people they trust to look after their fragile tamariki. Removing these protections at the height of the pandemic looks like a cruel blow to parents. »

With the rise of ableism, Awhi-Nga
Mātua would like to see the government take a stand against ableism and prioritize the safety of immunocompromised and disabled people.

“We call on the government to hear the voices of the community on these issues and show that they have listened.”

We asked the Awhi-Nga
The Mātua community of parents of disabled, immunocompromised and medically fragile children how they felt after today’s announcement:

– “Sad. Amazed. Vulnerable. Hurt. Alone”.

– “Scared. I want my children to be surrounded by teachers who value their health and well-being”.

– “Terrified and anxious”.

– “I have the impression that nobody cares about us”

– “Broken heart. Fear for [my child] start school if she has an unvaccinated kiako.

– “Throwed under the bus”

– “Hollow out. I feel like all the responsibility now lies with the vulnerable and their families.

– “I’m really disgusted”.

– “Throwed under the bus…again”.

– “Not good. We will be even more isolated now.

– “Only”

– “Fear and the thought of an unvaccinated teacher in my children’s class”

– “Sad and empty. Resigned to the fact that I will never eat in a cafe or restaurant again.

– “Concerned. It’s like people accept the death toll and don’t worry about us anymore.”

– ” Abandoned. On gas. Thrown under the name “aroha” bus only.

– “Devastated. Absolutely devastated. Health and education
[mandates] should have stayed.

– “So nervous. This is not the time to relax our approach. I’m so worried.”

– “I wish that education remained compulsory”.

© Scoop Media