Independent Assessments
Submission 343
Dear Community Members,
I am the father of a 31 year old man with Intellectual Disabilities and other associated conditions. The NDIS has been a wonderful support for our son and has enabled him to become a part of his community on his terms. He has chosen what he wants out of his NDIS supports, and this has been instrumental in him becoming a part of a community specifically a local footy club where he is valued and treated as one of the blokes. It has done wonders for his Self-Esteem.
The Implementation of Independent Assessments will take away his choices and his ability to get what he wants to get out of life. People with Disabilities such as my son should have the right to live life to the full rather than just exist.
our son is someone who will not react well to having to perform for someone he does not know. He finds it very upsetting when he is being talked about and tends to close down; he does that with his regular medical people. Having to be forced to undergo these Independent Assessments given by people who may have no expertise in his disabilities will have a disastrous effect on him.
the Assessment Tools being used are unfair and mainly consist of Yes/No answers—there is no opportunity for in between answers, which will lead to inconsistent assessments and unfair NDIS Plans. The Tune review did not say to make these assessments mandatory; they suggested these assessments.
ouir son does tend to exhibit behaviour issues when he is put under stress, and we believe that being forced to undertake these assessments may cause him to act out. It is extremely unfair for people being put in stressful situations, and it may cause them trauma. There should be an option to say no to these assessments.
it is blatantly obvious that the NDIS is not perfect and needs improvement but using these assessments isn’t the way forward. The NDIA need to consult with the wider Disability Community so we improve the system for the benefit of all people with disabilities.
We are ageing parents who both have multiple serious health concerns, and want our son continues to thrive and improves skills because time coming us decision living arrangements & ndis work . Thank you listening.