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 10:18:17 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.
- Insufficient funds where they are needed - and difficult to access
- Lack of client ability to make decisions about how their fund\ing allocation can be ‘spent’ - often money is available, but not for the things I need. I am an amputee and money is often available for ‘big’ items, but I don’t need these, it’s the day to day ongoing additional costs which are my concern.
- The need for greater advocacy - who do I turn to when I need support/assistance to get through the red tape
- In my work environment (Support Teacher working with Grade 11 and 12 students with disability), I see first-hand, families with a huge lack of support available when their child turns 18 years of age.
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 choose the types of support to use, Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support
The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:
Life-skills, Support for families and carers, Accommodation options
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
It’s high time that this area is thoroughly reviewed, so that it reflects current best practice.
I agree for my submission to be made public
Regards,
Mrs Wendy Lane