Capability and Culture of the NDIA

Submission 37

The most positive part about NDIS has been Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA). It has opened up possibilities for me and I have quite a few friends that I have watched going through their own SDA process too.

However, I do think the NDIS needs to refine and improve their decision making regarding SDA funding. There are a lot of participants out there waiting on decisions regarding SDA funding.

I thought I would use my own Participant statement to the NDIS as a prime example of the difference SDA funding makes to a individual. Especially seeing as how I am going through the process of applying for more funding due to my degenerative condition. I only hope this gives the NDIS some insight into how SDA funding has impact a participants life.

Jamie-Lee Dwyer’s 2022 Participant Statement Since moving into my own apartment in 2020, I have been able to do a lot of things that I thought wouldn’t have been able to explore living in a share house or a group home. I no longer have no choice over meal preps, I can take a long time getting ready and I don’t need to stress about getting the right supports I need without a time limit. I know longer need to worry about distracting other residents either.

I have been able to use a support worker as a scribe to help me write the book I am working on right now, as well as many as other advocacy pieces, I have also managed to land two jobs as part of the lived experience team network for the NDIS,

I am able to attend a lot more advocacy events for YoungCare, at as a proud board member for my local support group, as well as go out a lot more and have a lot of my own individual friendships.

My individual supports are tailored to my needs and I wouldn’t be able to have the freedom I have if I lived in a shared environment. When I write I tend to be very loud and would distract others in a shared environment.

My relationship with my sister has improved out of sight now that we live in seperate apartments and people no longer refer to us as one but rather separate individuals. Therefore my relationship with my parents is at its best and we are able to enjoy our family roles rather than me looking to them to help me all the time. Now that I live on my own I am able to explore new and different therapies and feel like my condition has maintained itself for a long time because of this. I love my life and feel very strong and independent living on my own and hope that this can continue.

I would like to move to a new apartment that has more room for new equipment that I will be receiving. I would also like my own companion dog that can help me in a larger apartment. I would also like an apartment with a secondary room for my overnight assistance, The current model of 1-10 concierge model that we have here, no longer suits my needs. I can’t wait up-to 40mins when I’m really uncomfortable.

Capability and Culture of the NDIA

Submission 37

will need my own space as I work from home. It will be nice living on the river and not right next to the party goers in Fortitude Valley.