NDIA Accountability Project

Supporting carers and enabling independence for people with disability

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 12:54:27 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.

Previously as a carer I can see how the NDIS will give carers the ability to help the people they support, on a daily basis, reach their full potential no matter their disability.

As an assistant coordinator for the Consumer Directed Care packages I have seen first hand the benefit of people being able to chose their own support in a self directed basis. It creates inclusion in the community, builds relationships and maintains independence, especially in the frail aged.

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

  • People with a disability can choose the types of support to use,
  • More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
  • Older parents and families will not worry what happens when they can no longer provide support

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Employment support,
  • Recreation and community access,
  • Flexible in-home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

As a studying pre-service secondary teacher with a degree in visual art and a background in community health and disability, I dream of the day where I teach students with physical and intellectual disabilities and see the benefits of this scheme in real time. This will be through their opportunities for post school options and the support of their families through this huge time of change. I have seen first hand the struggle it can be when a young person moves from being dependent on their family to support them through everything to having their own residence and having employment.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Miss Jade Blackmore