Annual Report No.1 of the 48th Parliament
Submission 11
Dear committee members,
This submission is to outline the personal experiences and concerns with the NDis I have observed as someone who works in an allied health administrative role.
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Social Science majoring in human services. I have always wanted to help others; therefore, have been working in this administrative role for approximately 18 months while studying.
This job has given me great insight into the NDIS system, highlighting the great things that can come out of it. However, also seeing first-hand the challenges faced by participants.
I am unable to speak on all participants and individuals currently involved with the Ndis, but I have the belief that there is a significant impact on many participants regarding funding issues and access to adequate support. Working in a mental health area, I have seen the difficulties of accessing services due to their psychosocial disability not being recognised by their plan. Even individuals’ who have access to psychological support only have funding for monthly appointments which is not sustainable.
For example, many participants have been impacted by the changes in somatic therapies such as Art therapy. There are numerous people who were accessing this service through my workplace; however, it got stripped away without consideration and consultation due to a lack of evidence. This caused significant distress for people who were already facing diKiculties with their mental health. It now means that many participants cannot access this service unless stipulated in their plan, which means the rapport they have built with these therapists and progress they have made is disintegrating.
Some individuals’ have been told by plan managers or case managers they will have to pay privately to access this support which is extremely difficult for some who are under financial pressures and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
I believe it is important to consult community members and individuals who will be personally affected by changes to the NDIS before making them. I know there is an enquiry into the somatic therapies; however, the choice to publish this change without consulting with anyone has caused damaged to the community.
Hope that the system can change in order to adequately support everyone involved and recognise disabilities that are not always physically evident. Also hope plans can be review in a sufficient manner to avoid people waiting months to access support.
There are various people who are required to make a change. It begins now with all of these submissions pushing to change the system and create an inclusive society worth living that assist in creating change to peoples lives for the better.