Capability and Culture of the NDIA

Submission 157

To Whom it May Concern,

Thank you for the opportunity to voice my concerns with regards to the experiences I have had with the NDIS and the funding it provided.

Let me begin from when the first problem came up at the onset of COVID in 2019. The NDIS contacted me and asked if I was happy with rolling over my current plan of either twelve or twenty four months. I agreed to twelve months. My next communication with the NDIS I found out that the funds were being stretched over two years but with the same funding. At first, they admitted the mistake must have been clerical and would amend it but never did and stood by this decision which we have been disputing i.e. I, therefore, had half the funding I used to have so I put in a review straight away with the same outcome and then submitted an internal review with yet again the same outcome even though I submitted new evidence as requested to include reports from my physio, neurologist, psychologist and OT. During this time I had to escalate my concerns with the tribunal because they have not taken this updated information into account stating why I needed more funding. During this time I was given a new plan for 2022-2023 with a minor increase which did not cover my ongoing treatment and assistance with my daily living needs. I have already attended a case conference with the tribunal and a representative from the NDIS with no satisfactory outcome. I have another case conference in February next year and I am still trying to confirm advocacy to represent my case during that meeting.

Recently, I have found out through my plan manager that I have no more funds remaining in the improved daily living (most importantly physio and psychology) and support coordination sections, due to the lack of funding provided in the first place.

The whole process over the past 3 years has honestly been very distressing, debilitating and has left me feeling disempowered. It backed me into a corner and I felt intimidated, unheard and disregarded. In all honesty, this all had a more negative effect on my mental health and well- being, than any other prior experience. I really hope the ndis can learn from my negative experience so that myself and others are not treated this way in the future.

Regards,