General issues around

the implementation and performance of the NDIS

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input into the Committee’s inquiry into General issues around

to flatten the coronavirus curve. Coronavirus will likely cause an economic recession, but also a so-called “social recession” - a collapse in social contact. The social recession will hit the most vulnerable to isolation and loneliness — older adults and people with disabilities. If our ultimate concern is the health and well-being of the most vulnerable, then both dangers need to be addressed i.e. social isolation and social distancing. The health consequences of social isolation and loneliness are well documented. Social isolation is associated with a significantly increased risk of premature mortality from all causes, including an increased risk from dementia and coronary heart disease. The mental health effects are profound. A consistent relationship between social isolation and depression and anxiety has been observed. No one quite knows how the social isolation enforced by the COVID-19 will affect people with disabilities, but even those who avoid the worst consequences will likely see their quality of life degrade.

I write to the Committee as a mother, and primary carer of my daughter who is a recipient of the NDIS. I work full-time. As outlined above social isolation and the health impacts are considerable, and I wished to provide a perspective of our experience to date with social isolation and the levels of support required.

With COVID-19, and the need for social distancing my daughter’s day looks very different and she is needing unprecedented amounts of support at our home. Though she has access to online programs for some of her day, she is needing support staff to assist her to access these i.e. Ensure IPad charged, obtain correct zoom link, access Zoom, ensure she has eaten etc. During the class/program she is again needing 1:1 support at home to enable her to participate fully and to ‘troubleshoot’ ie internet drops out; assistance with staying on task; taking appropriate breaks etc. Then after class assistance to establish new daily routines at home. We are therefore being billed for the access to the online activity but also needing 1:1 support from 8 – 5pm 7 days a week.

Submission Regarding NDIA Funding Concerns

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

By email: Sent by email:

I have raised my concerns that we will expend all of our NDIS funding with my LAC, who has assured me to utilise what we need during this period and to seek a review if required.

I write to note to the Committee that participants may need significant more funds during these unprecedented times to ensure mental health and wellbeing ensuring social distancing efforts and also post social distancing measures to develop or reintroduce routines and community access.

I would be happy to talk to this submission if need be.

Regards