Inquiry into Implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the Provision of Disability Services in New South Wales
Name: Mr Steven Leask Date Received: 2 July 2018
The NDIS has been under scrutiny for some time. They are currently questioning the NDIS success in providing choice and control for its customers.
I agree that some things work well such as the fact that it is easier to get support workers that work well with certain clients and disabilities. The reimbursement system for expenses is reliable and efficient. I understand that people less fortunate now get services they didn’t otherwise have.
However, on the negative side the NDIS portal for clients has a huge lack of security when claiming for items and services as proof doesn’t seem to be required. Also the NDIS claim that customers have more control. This is quite the contrary because decisions on services and products needed are often met with opposition. I am reasonably happy that my plan gets updated as needs or changes arise. Contact between my OT and service providers are sound. The privatization of the industry has its positive aspects such as the fact that I have been able to build a strong relationship with them and they are very flexible with my lifestyle and arrangements.
Yet I feel there is a huge gap in the industry when it comes to working with qualified support workers or those that have patients and understanding when it is vital to operate in a framework that suits both the client and the care worker. In response to this lack of knowledge there is often a lack of support for people with disabilities. Care providers cant just send any person they feel can fit the needs of people like myself. I also believe there should be external agencies monitoring care service providers to ensure they are towing the line. I’m sure there is something out there but you never hear of investigations or of serious breach in operation procedures.
Last year I was granted a funding base of around 190k and was barley able to use half of this due to red tape and opposition. Each year my funding is reviewed and if I haven’t used a certain portion of this it is greatly reduced the following year which means each year I will have less and less. Under the ADHC system I was granted funding for community access and a portion for car maintenance. This was of greatest help. Now I have no access and have to pay out of my pension which puts a huge strain on my daily living expenses. I don’t go out much anymore because I now have to pay for taxis and its getting a bit much. Just going to the football sends me nearly broke and its something I am very passionate about attending, Some people with disabilities are incontinent and sometimes they need to go home as it is very embarrassing for them as they need to wait for a taxi or get a train and in public the anxiety gets worse for some people. some people who want to drop in somewhere, can’t because they don’t have a vehicle. Also my fathers car which we used to be able to maintain is now on the side of the road with possibly no hope of being able to repair.
I’m afraid for my future and am anxious about the situation the NDIS has put me in. I am also worried about others as I know they are in the same boat or even worse. The reason for my submission is to raise awareness the the future of people with disabilities seems to be a non issue in the public eye. Some of us are afraid to speak up as we may be met with much opposition. I hope there is some form of change as awareness of this change in practice has occurred.