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 11:22:59 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.

• Therapy lists are far too long, private therapy is our only option.
• Swallowing our pride and asking people/businesses for money for equipment.
• Limited quality respite for when he finishes school.
• Lack of respite hours.
• My husband has had to finish work due to his physical demands and I work part time around school hours to afford therapy etc; Unknown for him as we are ageing. Where will he end up? Will his siblings get support to help look after him when we are unable to? We can’t afford any overnight respite now! - Will we ever? He requires 24 hr care, has high medical needs, constant therapy, regular hospital check-ups. Yes no child is born with guarantees, so you move forward and give them the best life ever. Just like we all deserve.!! He is ours and he is a huge part of our lives - we love and adore him!!! But will we always be able to provide this care? I would like to say we will care for him indefinately but I have excepted reality.
• Let us as Parents/Carers have the resources to prepare, put in place and have some influences on our kids futures just like we have with our other kids.

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

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, 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, Flexible in-home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

The disability sector needs a huge overhaul. The waiting time and costs for equipment is so frustrating. These kids need them now!! Not in 6-18mths when all the paperwork has been signed off. If a therapist or specialist believe they need the appliance lets get moving before they have outgrown it and they then need re-measuring due to growth.

Hopefully some control over the quality and availability of resources, respite, therapy and equipment our son needs as he approaches adulthood. Also support for us to continue the round the clock care we provide.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Pam Posavac