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

Submission 150

Submission on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the

NDIS Back on Track No. 1} Bill 2024

Name: Anna Rimac Date:12.7.2024

I am an NDIS advocate of an NDIS participant/person with disability. I want to respond to the proposed changes to the NDIS Bill. I am concerned with the proposed changes about reduced funding for NDIS. I have many friends and clients who benefit greatly from NDIS supported activities particularly in relation to equine assisted learning.

I have been a volunteer at Riding for the Disabled (NSW) for over 11 years and a couch since 2016. I also couch clients privately and employ two staff. My services to the community change lives every day. Riding a horse provides the only opportunity for my clients to experience the natural movement of walking which able bodied people take for granted. The rocking movement and regular stride engages muscle groups impossible to for them to switch on any other way. Other benefits include enormous mental health improvements, community engagement and self confidence benefits. Equine assisted therapeutic activities are out of reach of most people due to the prohibitive care and cost associated with keeping horses. For a disabled person and their family the only way they can access this essential (and sometimes only) outdoor activity is through NDIS funding. Many clients require 3 people to assist and along with the cost of the horse and venue there is no way the cost can be met without NDIS. These clients look forward to their therapeutic sessions which provide a highlight for them. If the NDIS funding stops, their quality of life will be severely impacted. The outcome of this will lead to clients self-harming, suicide and increased hospitalization.

I hope the Committee will take all submissions seriously in preparing its report.

Send via email to: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au