NDIA Accountability Project

Lack of appropriate housing and support for families with disabled children

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 5:46:31 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.

Lack of appropriate housing (i.e. near parents/siblings, with similar people etc) for disabled children of aging parents. Who will look after the kids when the parents no longer can? Lack of any meaningful way that a parent can have an impact on their disabled children’s future - even those with money are not given the opportunity to help set their kids up (unless they have millions and can set up a private group home). System excludes people with disabilities from certain activities if they get other funding (i.e. we just heard that if we get a certain grant for my brother-in-law, he will no longer be able to access the subsidised holiday/leisure/recreation services. Not enough support for families

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

  • People with a disability can choose the types of support to use,
  • The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
  • 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:

  • Support for families and carers,
  • Accommodation options,
  • In-home care and domestic assistance

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Because it is the right thing to do. It will increase productivity, reduce pressure on inflation (as more carers can return to the workforce), let people (both those with a disability and their carers) become productive members of society. It gives dignity to those who do not have a voice, and helps to give people with disability a meaningful and happy life.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mr Tim Sheedy