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 2:26:22 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.

It is incredibly confusing and because my son’s condition is progressive his needs change all the time. However, currently there is such a wait for equipment etc that by the time you get it his needs may have changed again. Equipment and aids need to be available straight away as the disabled person relies so heavily on these to support their quality of life. They should not have to wait for such precious help.

Also at present we have to often make up the difference in cost between funding and cost of equipment. I am a single mother and often this gap is expensive and difficult to finance. Every disabled person should be entitled to the best possible care and help regardless of his or her family’s financial position.

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,
• 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:

• Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
• Flexible in-home/outside home respite,
• Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

To make life SO much easier for those with disabilities and their families and to ensure the disabled have access to everything they need to give them the best quality of life possible.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Ms Barb Tudic