Independent Assessments
Submission 356
A recipient of NDIS I feel it imperative that I have a say in the future of the scheme and whatever direction it heads as it directly effects my life.
Have a congenital spinal condition along with several other medical conditions which are deteriorating over time. I live alone with no family or friends within 100km. My adult daughter lives in Sydney (while I live in Newcastle) and her job prevents her from visiting regularly.
Trying to remain living independently and NDIS has provided me with much needed support workers, funding for equipment and the ability to feel that I am not burdening or forcing anyone to make life changing moves to assist in my care.
Current on a three year plan (1 year of which has elapsed), provide detailed and comprehensive paperwork to my Liaison Officer regarding my needs and supports when reviewed. Am lucky that I am an ex public servant and clerical officer who can outline aims and objectives as I know many are unable to or have no voice.
The fear is that Independent Reviewers, who know nothing of physical restrictions, access to community, emotional and community supports etc., will be accurately able to assess my funding requirements or any other details. Without training in disability services, a plethora of medical conditions impacting an individual, find incomprehensible that Government considers implementing such assessment of NDIS clients. Each case so unique and variable; NDIS funding makes difference between life and death literally.
Know personally without NDIS funding past few years would more than likely committed suicide felt helpless could afford equipment assistance require to live my life.
Have no family support completely socially isolated city. Support workers been godsend. Equipment purchased via NDIS given touch freedom form wheelchair mobility scooter. NDIS funding provided mechanical lift bed sleep accessories shower use toilet independently unless Independent Assessors spending weeks me client assessing needs there way they could assertain what the requirements are.
Giving Assessment capabilities 3rd party crumble foundation this system one struggling providing assistance those really need it.
Hoping Government reconsiders implementation Independent Assessments explores options harm prevent support being provided levels required each client person not number statistic The Liberal Government
Independent Assessments
Submission 356
stated the NDIS would continue and gain strength to support those vulnerable and in need but seems to only continually undermine the structure, capacity and integrity of the service.