Submission No 147
INQUIRY INTO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME AND THE PROVISION OF DISABILITY SERVICES IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Name: Name suppressed Date Received: 5 August 2018
Partially Confidential
Dear Madam/Sir
I have not been able to work since December 2013 after I was medically retired due to a work injury. I have been on a disability support pension since 2016.
I have a serious back injury and have been in constant chronic pain since 2007. One of the treatments I use for this pain is opiates. I am unable to attend to my own house work, gardening, maintenance etc. since this injury. I have had to personally pay for these services.
I applied for the NDIS in early 2017 with the support of my General Practioner. I proved what I thought was sufficient evidence to NDIS that I was suffering from a permanent disability and that in fact in the last several years that there was deterioration in my condition.
I was knocked back because I was told that they did not believe that my disability was permanent.
Although I do not have personal care, or have someone help me with most of my ADL’s I do have a genuine disability which affects my quality of life. I am unable to stand for more than a few minutes. I am unable to walk for more than 50 metres without increasing pain. I do not think that the NDIS system takes into account those with a permanent disability who appear to be ‘normal’.
At some point in the future I will have to apply again for NDIS as I do need services. To do this I will have to find the money to obtain an Occupational Assessment. If I was a part of NDIS this would be paid for within the system.
I have found the whole process difficult. I know that this is a subjective comment but I feel that I have been discriminated against.
I hope that my experience is of help to your inquiry.
Kind regards