Adele Horin researched and produced a series of articles which brought to light human rights violations of people with a disability living in licensed boarding houses in NSW.
Horin uncovered abuse and neglect in boarding houses and her efforts, along with those of disability advocacy groups, contributed to the public release of a NSW Ombudsman's special report on boarding houses in August this year.
The report, 'More than board and lodging: the need for boarding house reform,' reports on the vulnerability and poor circumstances of people with a disability living in licensed boarding houses.
Horin's coverage of the report and the horrific and frightening picture it painted of a sector where the most basic human needs are not provided, such as adequate food and basic health care, put the issue well and truly on the radar.
By giving voice to a variety of individuals and groups, including residents and advocacy organisations, Horin's fair and balanced pieces were instrumental in raising awareness of the abuse taking place at Grand Western Lodge, a licensed boarding house in Milthorpe, NSW.
Horin's report and the publicity which followed triggered a new commitment by the NSW Government to address the ongoing human rights issues in boarding houses.
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