National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024

Submission 134

I am a 72 YO man who suffered a severe stoke in 2005 As a result I have a residual total LHS paralysis and low grade, manageable mental health issues. I live with my 56 YO wife in an accessible apartment that we purchased 9 years ago with an average sized mortgage that she pays.

A preference for youthful “new hires” with little attention for Diversity has resulted few job options to earn an income and my subsequent choice for self-employed since 1995. Whereas the success stories of becoming an entrepreneur are liberally scattered throughout the media, the vast majority of new businesses fail or just “get by.” I was part of the latter, surviving by drawing a less than minimum wage and minimising expenses that unfortunately included making personal superannuation contributions following my stroke I found I was not eligible for any form of government support. My wife’s full time employment that at the time earned her more than $40K pa, (now $75K) rendering me ineligible for any welfare supports, at a significant cost to our relationship.

Although the NDIS had commenced I was not 65 YO and it was not available

In the years from when I had my stroke and eligibility for NDIS supports I gradually drew down most my small amount of superannuation to meet my special needs however NDIS payments changed that. The $40,000 I was assessed at requiring then, completely altered our lives

I was able to take better and appropriate care of myself. I could pay for modifications to our new apartment that were more of a personal nature, I could purchase assistive technology that included a crane that could lift my mobility scooter into the car instead of my wife asking for assistance from a passers-by. My allowance is now almost $60,000 pa even though there was no increase last year which means it is becoming inadequate I now attend a nearby Gym 3 times a week with a Personal Trainer( PT) (with several relevant tertiary degrees), who although not NDIS approved, specialises in the needs of disabled who need physical assistance. My attendance at the gym with a( PT) account for a large part of my budget. As a PT his fees are less that half that of a Physiotherapist or OT. His work however is responsible for maintaining what little mobility I have and is a huge contributor to maintenance of my mental & physical health.

My psychologist recommends my wife and I take regular vacations. With most low-cost options (camping & caravan) not being physically possible, most annual “go to” options must be discarded. We have however found that an “away” vacation is viable, every two years. Specifically, a cruise from our home city and return. With all up prices, not traveling to and from, with good disabled support infrastructure for a daily cost not much greater than living at home, it is certainly much less than travelling to a holiday location finding & paying for accommodation along with food etc. While my wife pays for our holiday, I am able to make a modest contribution that covers extras that I require.

I am very grateful for my acceptance into the NDIS program . I doubt that I would be here today without it

More than any particular thing NDIS has given me my dignity . It has saved my marriage and a requirement for what I have no doubt would have been full time care.

I self-manage my allowance. I spend it carefully, as if it is my money and in the manner & purpose for which it is intended. Having read the “final report” I think my use of the funding (along with a lot of others) would be severely compromised with little or no impact to the scheme of things.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024

Submission 134

I would like to take this opportunity to make some suggestions that should cut overall operating cost & improve outcomes for clients.

I am not unique. Thousands of Australians suffer life altering incidents of all degrees. every year.

I am lucky in that I have a loving and supporting spouse who can do the financial heavy lifting that we require to be done.

Withstanding my good fortune I understand my support budget is well below the $100k average budget however in my circumstances it is perfectly adequate for me to maintain my health and dignity as I work owards my various goals in life. I firstly point out the importance of recognising the importance of domestic ( in home) support and the value of maintaining the relationships that allow this to continue.

In an attempt to simplify a complex situation I suggest completing a questionaire to be completed by the applicant or their support team, checked by specialist practitioners at point of application, sorting those with a requirement less than the average and those above.( needs more than average and those with less.

I comment on the recipients that are less than the average support budget.

These would be assessed at enrolment and re-assessed every 5 years or significant status change. This would classify users into payment bands and levels within those bands, having pre approved, specified monthly payment. Exceptional one time payments payment (such as requirement for new assistive technology) could be paid using pre determined guidelines, automatically approving devices if made within their approved level/ band. Right of revue would be possible for clients wanting something not yet approved. A service to assist those who just don’t know what they want could, As a suggestion a practitioner asssessment/approval would not be required unless the amount sought exceeded two levels, was outside a band or exceeded a certain frequency or overall amount.

Use of funds should be more accommodating so as to allow for the subtle different requirements of different clients and described upon application ( An AI assessment could achieve this with reasonable accuracy with right of human revue if required and at very little relative cost) funds could then be paid automatically in equal amounts every month avoiding client budgeting problems and excessive one off draw downs .

I hope my insight, lived experience and comments will be of value in helping remediate this unique and wonderful programme which we all recognise must have assistance to continue. I would be glad to elaborate on any aspect of this note.

With Kindest regards