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: Friday, 18 January 2013 12:04:31 AM

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.

Australia prides itself as the country of the fair go. We strongly believe in the equity and equality of our people. The current system of delivery of services throughout Australia is letting people with disabities down. Systems of delivery do not allow the uniqueness of a person to live a fair and equitable life. People with disabilities must be allowed to live fully and given every opportunity to determine the direction of their lives. The systems currently do not cater for self determining, creative, unique, fair, and valid ways in which to maximise people’s abilities. They are disadvantaged by not being allowed to live within an equal playing field that can create wealth, economic and social development, in a society that unwittingly patronises, inhibits and controls the potential of a person who has unique needs toward participating equitably. Time has arrived to embrace the diverse capabilities of people labelled with disabilities. It is time to find better ways to deliver systems that are more than reasonable and appreciate the gifts, abilities, and contribution of people with disabilities to our country.

Main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community:

• Better access to mainstream support and services,
• More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
• People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams

Most important services for the NDIS to provide:

• Support for families and carers,
• Accommodation options,
• Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

The NDIS we hope will release the shackles of debilitation that people with disabilities have had to bear for time eternal. It has the potential to remove the dis out of ability and maximise life opportunities by giving people hope toward determining the life they wish to live. It has the potential for people to reach out for a more comfortable, and purpose filled life which is currently restricted by allocating resources through a system that promotes poverty and subsistent living. It allows the careers and parents to be released of the disadvantages in their lives from the pressures of extreme levels of caring required because of a lack of, and appropriateness of, resources and services to people with unique needs.

The social, equitable and economic participation created as a result of creative and innovative service delivery will only come about through an NDIS that creates unique solutions to people’s disabilities. Through more than reasonable opportunities and choices the abilities of people can be maximised with necessary needs that enhance justly a chance to live a full and purpose filled life.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mr Michael Gravener