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 2:11:01 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.

Not directly affected but system is inherently unfair and discriminating against disabled people and their families and supporters.

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

• People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
• The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
• People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Education support (technology/services/equipment), Support for families and carers, Flexible in-home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

In principle support for a national scheme that enhances opportunities and guarantees support when needed. The support types and features of the Scheme will need to be flexible to cater for diverse needs but not encourage rorting or inefficiency, a big challenge! Person centred approach that encourages individual and family growth, capacity and responsibility is needed along with a national approach to life that emphasizes social accountability and addresses the social determinates of health.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Dr Bruce Richard Simmons