NDIA Accountability Project

Child with severe autism requires speech therapy, occupational therapy and respite

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 10:30:35 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.

We have a child with severe autism, 10 years of age, and we receive very little assistance. We are not able to get regular speech therapy, occupational therapy, education support or respite for him - not enough specialists in town, cannot afford the appointments necessary to make improvements etc etc. I have had to give up work to look after him (as carer) and we live on one income. We have a younger son and the autism issues take over our lives. We are very concerned about what is going to happen to our son when we are not able to care for him any longer.

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 plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams, 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:

  • Education support (technology/services/equipment), Accommodation options, Flexible in-home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I support the NDIS because I coordinate the Cairns Autism Spectrum Group and we have over 130 families in our group who are desperate to gain access to regular respite, therapy help and support in their roles as parents and carers. Having a child with autism is extremely taxing on the whole family, including siblings, and at present there is very little help for those of us with school-aged children and young adults/adults. All of our families are very concerned about what is going to happen to their child/children when they are no longer able to take care of them. We are also very angry that we do not receive the timely education and employment support needed to help many of our children to gain some type of employment. It seems that for many of our kids a life on welfare is all they have to look forward to at present.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Natalie Bird