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 12:20:04 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.

I am 52years old and aquired a disAbility at age 7-in 1967. Back then my parents had no support-which was a curse and a blessing. No help with expenses for equipment, no assistance with travel and accommodation for appointments-we lived in the country and had to travel to the City for Doctor appointments and operations. But we were not tied into what we could or could not do- I had to go to maintream school because there was no alternative-there was never services saying we can’t do that due to OH&S, policy or lack of funding. I feel the Current crisis driven hap hazard funding is detrimental to all-and an appropriately funded, use as you like system will free people to pursue dreams, talents and be able to give back to the society supporting them.

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

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, People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Positive behaviour support and psychological services, Interpreters and other communication support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I support the NDIS because it will support more people with disAbility-less “Falling through the cracks” or “not being disabled enough”. Hopefully when funded well enough it will be proactive to need and not reactive to crisis. The NDIS will give choice and control to the person with the disAbility and not just limited options dependant on policy, staff and limited funding. It will mean disAbility service providers will have to structire themselves appropriately and adequately to provide the services requested e.g 24hr attendant care-so people can go to concerts-theatre-clubs and even over night trips to the city etc. Each individual can do their own thing not have to fit in with others because of staffing ratios. People in shared accommodation will be able to take days off work when sick because there will be staff rostered on 24/7.Hopefully the staff level can be found to met the increased load.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mrs Bernadette O’Shannessy