NDIA Accountability Project

Difficulty accessing all-terrain mobility device for nature photography

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Terms of Reference

The committee will inquire into and report on the implementation, performance, governance, administration and expenditure of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with particular reference to:

a. the capability and culture of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), with reference to operational processes and procedures, and nature of staff employment

b. the impacts of NDIA capability and culture on the experiences of people with disability and NDIS participants trying to access information, support and services from the Agency; and

c. any other relevant matters.

My experience in dealing with the NDIS.

I have been seeking assistance for a mobility device that allows me to get out into nature and off-road so I can do wildlife and landscape photography. This is in my NDIS goals. I have been seeking an all-terrain device to meet my needs for several years without success. The brief I have given Occupational Therapists has always been consistent: a compact all-terrain device that is reasonably light and fits in the boot of my SUV. I finally found the perfect device myself, an Omeo All-Terrain Wheelchair. I have trialled this device on a beach, up soft sand banks, and over tree roots and it was life changing.

  • In 2020 I had to accept a lesser option just to remain mobile and access the local shops. This was not the best option but the only option offered at the time with my then OT. The NDIS saying it is the OT’s role to research and offer viable options is naive at best and not what I have experienced. OT’s seem to specialise in certain areas. Once I found the Omeo wheelchair I was able to find an OT experienced with this device.

-The NDIS declined the Omeo saying it is a duplication of my current scooter and that I need to get 5-8 years from my current scooter.

-NDIS Rules 2013 (Supports for Participants) – Section Part 5.1 c (duplication of NDIS funded supports) and NDIS Act 2013 Section 34.1 c (value for money).

My current scooter whilst great to get to the shops on paved level surfaces is useless and even dangerous if taken off paths. It is not off-road and is absolutely not a duplicate of the Omeo. In my case it is necessary to have more than one device to meet all my goals. The adage of not wearing dress shoes when hiking come to mind.

The most galling thing is the NDIS is even advertising the Omeo on their website, so saying it is not value for money is absurd, they have already funded a number of Omeo’s: hhttps://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/6506-balanced-based-movement-technology-changes-peters-life

  • The S26 Verve. Current scooter.

  • The Omeo Wheelchair.

    • Declined by NDS

  • Me driving the Omeo in soft sand

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The NDIS uses NDIS legislation to decline requests for assistance even when it is based on incorrect assumptions and suspect interpretation of the legislation. It also does not take into account the Disabilities Service Act.

The Disability Services Act 2006 states: Part 2 Division 1 Sec. 18 (3) 18 Principle that people with disability have the same human rights as others (3) When using disability services or NDIS supports or services, people with disability have the right to— (a) supports or services supporting their achieving quality of life in a way that supports their family unit and their full participation in society; and (b) receive supports or services in a way that results in the minimum restriction of their rights and opportunities and, Part 2 Division 2 Sec. 20 20 Focus on the development of the individual Services should be designed and implemented so that their focus is on developing the individual and on enhancing the individual’s opportunity to establish a quality life.

As a person who is dealing with trauma and disability, and all the barriers that come with it, the last thing I need is for the NDIS to throw more barriers in the path of my achieving independence and a fulfilling and quality life.

Every month or year that passes without being able to achieve my life goals is soul destroying, especially as my condition is progressive.

I only have one life and I have to make the most of it while I can. The NDIS is saying I can apply again in 3 years or even buy it myself - is this acceptable!

With the Omeo I can start engaging more, and be more productive, more motivated, and more integrated into the community. This should be the focus of the NDIS, not perceived ‘value for money’, or some obscure interpretation of the NDIS legislation.