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 12:39:24 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.

There are many forms of disabilities that we suffer. All have some level of support required at some time. There are many things in the current disability system that I can say don’t work for myself, members of my family, friends and other community members. Lack of financial support for carers, lack of financial support for necessary equipment, access issues, the list could easily go on but I am sure these words will be repeated by many answering this question.

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

• Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
• More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
• People with disability can choose who comes into their home

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
• Employment support,
• Flexible in-home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity and pride and as an important part of our community. A disability should not impede this. A person with a disability is as important a part of our community as any other community member. Any improvements to having care and resources for our Disabled to improve their quality of life, to break down barriers to allow them to have a less restrictive life than their disability itself can impose is vitally important.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Therese Conlon