I am responding on behalf of my son, Ashley (his real name). I am his mother, power of attorney, legal guardian and voice. Ashley is classified as “non-verbal” but vocalises when he has a seizure.

This is not his choice or a deliberate act. It’s an involuntary vocalisation as a result of his epilepsy.

I find the article a form of premeditated public bullying and victimising.

I am appalled this story was found newsworthy in the first place. Most residents of Albury-Wodonga could complain about some sort of disturbance in their neighbourhood but realise that if you live in suburbia there will always be noise that we endure — traffic, parties, pets.

It is not my intention to upset neighbours.

There have not been any other complaints which have not been dealt with, with most of the street very supportive and understanding.

“Carol” (not her real name) and others have complained regarding:

- The reverse sensors on the disabled bus so they have been changed from a “beep, beep” to a “click, click”.

- Parking — The house has three parking spaces for staff and visitors, and there have been complaints that sometimes people park in the street, so staff have been parking at Willow Park and walking more than a block to work.

- House staff — some staff have a cigarette on public land near Willow Park and smoke has been smelled coming through air conditioner vents more than 40 metres away.

- Ashley’s vocalising — E.W. Tipping has double-glazed and soundproofed his room.

- My son was sitting in his wheelchair outside while staff picked vegetables one Sunday afternoon and the phone rang, a neighbour had called the manager and he had to be taken inside.

My son attends Murray Valley Centre from 9am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday, the residents leave the house for outings every Saturday for about four hours and he spends most of Sunday at home with me. When he is at the group home he is almost entombed in a soundproof, double-glazed room.

He has a beautiful courtyard outside his room that we cannot use because of these complaints.

QUOTE: “Carol” “I was starting to relax a little bit, and then a few nights ago a window was left open so I was subjected to it yet again.” Ashley does not have a window that opens.

My son Ashley Ross was born a healthy, happy baby. At two years he became seriously ill and was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital. We spent three months in the neurology unit to be told that he had contracted encephalitis and they didn’t know the extent of the damage.

For 20 years I cared for my two sons at home while working five part-time jobs. Unfortunately because I have a titanium plate in my back and am still dealing with cancer treatment I could not care for him at home as he got too big for me to handle.

A purpose-built house with other young men was offered as placement. I made the hardest decision of my life and moved him into supported accommodation. He is in Wodonga in a house with all the equipment and room needed, lots of friends and caring trained staff looking after him.

I can visit him any time and bring him home on weekends.

Due to the constant complaints the management of the house has spent thousands of dollars soundproofing his room, testing noise levels with sound monitor equipment results showing noise is at acceptable domestic levels.

E.W. Tipping still added double glazing to alleviate any noise concerns.

Council has told “Carol” that Ashley is not breaking any noise laws.

Has anybody stopped to think about how much distress these constant complaints have caused not only his immediate family but the other residents, the staff and extended friends and family?

Maybe they should walk in Ashley’s shoes — Ash hasn’t walked for 20 years.

He is stuck in a nappy and tube fed from his broken down wheelchair that needs over $2000 worth of upgrades.

Ashley requires assistance for all of his needs, he cannot walk or talk. When Ashley lived in my home for 20 years I never received a complaint about anything, my neighbours were very supportive and compassionate.

I would like to thank the hundreds of friends and family who have written, called and shown their support.

And again I wish I did not have to write this statement.

I would like to believe that the majority of the people of Albury-Wodonga and surrounding towns would be more understanding and sympathetic.

The neighbours should be glad that there will never be constant noise such as loud parties or a barking dog at Ashley’s house.

Each day I go to work to make a difference in young people’s lives working to educate vulnerable adolescents.

I am horrified that in our society people cannot show some compassion towards someone who cannot speak for himself and wishes his life was full of hope and promise.

Thank you to the kind, caring people of Albury, Wodonga, Wagga, Wangaratta, Lockhart and afar who have shown support and helped me to regain the strength to respond.

Meg Wolk (real name)