NDIA Accountability Project

Lack of accessible therapy services for son 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 1:53:04 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.

the current system doesnt look after those with a disability in the future if the parents/carers cannot. All parents/carers i know fear a possible future when they are not around and are worried as to who will look after their children Also, my son was fortunate enough to receive the better start funding but guess what…. he was placed on constant wait lists because not enough therapists were available. In the two years he received funding, we were able to see 1 therapist. Funding for a limited period of time is a TOTAL waste if there are not enough therapists and your child remains on wait lists the whole time. Imagine how frustrating it is as a parent to have money to spend on early intervention and all I could access in 2 years was 1 therapist for a period of 3 months only because she was that backlogged–RIDICULOUS!!!! I dont think there should be a time limit if there aren’t any accessible services available

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

  • The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
  • Removal of age barriers to services for children, 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:

  • Education support (technology/services/equipment),
  • Employment support,
  • Support for families and carers,
  • Accommodation options

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

So that I know if/when anything happens to me as my sons full time carer, he will still continue to receive any/all support that he needs

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, mrs Bridgette Barnes