Independent Assessments Submission 3
To the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme,
We at Bodyfit Physio are opposed to the changes being proposed in regards to Independent Assessments carried out for participants of the NDIS.
We are lodging this submission to outline our reasoning for this from the perspective of experienced allied health practitioners who service NDIS clients.
The NDIS aims to support people with a disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities. Every individual is different. As treating physiotherapists, we get to know participants and understand that their needs are not static. We take into consideration the whole person and not their performance in outcome measures on a single day. We document this using evidence based and consistent assessment, which provides up to date and complete assessment of functional capacity, that is in line with the individuals’ goals.
With the addition of this proposed bureaucratic snapshot assessment, it will:
- Not meet the individuals’ needs
- Utilise a “one size fits all” approach, leaving some participants without needed funds
- Increase stress on participants and their families
- Still require reports from allied health professionals who can provide the detail and context
- Take the participant out of the centre of decision making
- Oppose key principles the NDIS was founded on
This tick box approach is far from the core intentions of the NDIS and will result in asking the question: which category do you fit in? Rather than, what do you need to succeed?
For these reasons we urge you to oppose the implementation of Independent Assessments.
Kind Regards, Bodyfit Physio
Bodyfit Physio
271 High St. Northcote