Submission Regarding Independent Assessments
Independent Assessment Submission #323
I would like to make this submission regarding the proposed independent assessment of NDIS participants. I would like this submission to remain confidential as a whole submission although would be happy for some of the examples to be used. This is for the sake of my son.
My son, redacted: s47F - Personal privacy,
has schizophrenia and anxiety and has been part of the NDIS scheme since 2017. He lives at home with his husband and me. Since he was 21 when he was first diagnosed he has spent long spells in
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anxious and had no contacts with anyone other than siblings and us, parents. It took quite an effort on everyone’s part to convince him to be part of the scheme. Before this time we had unsuccessfully tried to persuade him to group activities. He was granted his first package in 2017 and has slowly begun gaining confidence with assistance from support workers who come around to our house. He has even given up smoking and because he is feeling so much better attending pre gym COVID days. It was on the recommendation and encouragement of one of his support workers that he was able to give up smoking. He still vapes, however. We have been satisfied with his improvement and he has been granted a generous package every year. Because he is still living at home he hasn’t spent most of the funds allocated and consequently it has gone back into the pool of NDIS money. In addition has not been admitted to hospital since receiving NIDS funding – also a cost saving for the government.
I was totally horrified when I first heard that independent assessment were being proposed for NDIS participants. My first thoughts were for my son and the stress he would be subjected to and how detrimental that would be. In addition in the short interview time it would be impossible to make any sort of judgement on the severity of his condition there. He is a kind person who is willing to please. He always minimises his conditions and will try to put himself in the most positive light. It’s only at home that we see the lack of motivation, the lack of concentration, the ending places and the only talking to himself. His anxiety attacks are a constant problem he faces and this limits his willingness to step outside the house. Yes, he can dress himself but he has often occasions walked down the road in his pyjamas, completely oblivious to the fact that it is inappropriate. e rThere needs to be a provision for a review of the plan and budget if there is a disagreement with the plan or budget. e it is stressful for anyone going through the interview process but especially stressful for those with a mental illness. If these assessments are going to happen every 5 years that will make it even more stressful. Schizophrenia is a lifelong illness.
The NDIS package and funding has been a lifesaver for me as I have been his primary carer for many years and I have been able to pass on some of the responsibility to the support workers. They have made a difference and I don’t feel quite so alone. My husband and I are in our seventies and are of course concerned about his future but with the NDID in place we are less concerned.
I urge the committee to reconsider the independent assessments for the reasons outlined. It is entirely inappropriate, especially for those with mental health issues.