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 8:42:07 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.

My very close friend John was a very active member of the community. John not only had a full employment but was a member of various organisations. Unfortunatelly at 47 he has got a very debilitated illness. The biggest problems John faced was community access, flexible employment and lack of co-ordination between services. Poverty, depression and isolation inevitably followed. It has affected not only John but put enormous pressure on his family and friends

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

• 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, Less red tape, with planning done locally by people who know their community

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Employment support, In-home care and domestic assistance

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I spent lots of time not only helping my friend to do day to day living but contacting various organisations to advocate on my friend’s behalf. Its time (well overdue!) Australia introduced NDIS. John died dreaming about it and discussing it. Lets just make it happen now. There are no time to loose.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

ms Elena Kuchina