NDIA Accountability Project

Lack of support for physically and mentally disabled patients

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Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012

From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Thursday, 17 January 2013 5:00:46 PM

Please consider this email a formal submission by me to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012.

The current disability system has many problems that need to be addressed.

Have been waiting for my Disability Form to be acknowledge since last year. Under Psychiatric care and also Shenton Park Hospital Rehabilitation Centre. Have no support - eg home support, cleaning, travel to hospitals, specialists. Am only on a ‘Widows Allowance’ which is = Unemployment Benefit. Am separated.

The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:

  • Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
  • People with a disability can choose the types of support to use,
  • Better access to mainstream support and services,
  • Better access to education and work opportunities,
  • More opportunities to participate in the community,
  • More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
  • More rights for people with a disability,
  • People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
  • People with disability can choose who comes into their home,
  • The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
  • Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family,
  • Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support,
  • Less red tape, with planning done locally by people who know their community,
  • Access to reliable information about support options,
  • Removal of age barriers to services for children,
  • People with disabilit y/family will influence the types of support and services offered,
  • Older parents and families will not worry what happens when they can no longer provide support

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Therapy and allied health services,
  • Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
  • Education support (technology/services/equipment),
  • Life-skills,
  • Employment support,
  • Recreation and community access,
  • Support for families and carers,
  • Accommodation options,
  • In-home care and domestic assistance,
  • Flexible in- home/outside home respite,
  • Case management, planning and coordination,
  • Crisis and emergency support,
  • Positive behaviour support and psychological services,
  • Interpreters and other communication support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Because there is a lot lacking - both for the PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY disabled patients. What is worse, the additional support for people who are homeless, have no support at all, no family or friends. It makes it difficult

If there is always money, accommodation, medical and other support found for refugees and illegals - can not the same resources be shared with AUSTRALIANS. Dont always be put it down to RACISIM as an excuse - our elderly and youth are ENTITLED to a decent life, which in turn will increase their self esteem and worth and give them the incentive to feel like part of the community, self respect and who knows, they will find a way to stand on their own, not use the handouts as a ‘right’ and ‘excuse’ for lacking skills eg language, intergration, and the rest.

Experience of physical pain, causing disability, mental pain and nothing to look forward to the next day, can only be fully understood IF YOU HAVE BEEN THERE!!!

I was a highly successful executive level employee AND YES….. I AM AN IMMIGRANT - 38 years here, who was told I would never get ‘an office job’

  • NOW I am experiencing the other side of the coin and while there are day I cannot get out of bed, am alone, medicated, dibilitating pain and chronic depression/suicidal - - - I CANNOT IMAGINE THOSE POOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS OR SUPPORT AT ALL!!!!!

HOUSING WOULD BE A PRIORITY - Use the funds for the next Detention Centre and build the equivalent to house a couple or 100 people - it worth more than a try. Or even, find a town like the powers that be did, to house 100+ Afghans

  • with Aussies given this alternative, it would help the town itself economically and the homeless a roof over their heads, an address to be able to apply for a job or even Unemployment!!!

All this is as evident as the nose on a lot of Australians in the community - not the Powers that be …. as usual scared of the “R” word - but who is really being discriminated against?

‘Remember the words “FAIR GO’ - it is not much to ask

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs PATRICIA GODFREY