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: Saturday, 19 January 2013 10:28:21 AM

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.

‘Dyspraxia should be included in the program. Children with dyspraxia require ongoing therapies such as OT and speech. They need this more than other disabilities & they deserve to be funded’

My daughter has dyspraxia and she is not covered under the disability system even though she has severe speech problems, behaviour issues and mobility issues. We are in 2 lots of Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and under the care of a peadatrician. Yet we get no support financially or otherwise as it is not seen as a disablilty. My daughter is delayed in so many areas for her age and we need to be with her most of the time to assist in even basic tasks like toileting and dressing. Dyspraxia is fair more prevalent in Australia and a burden on our families and education system than the government seems to realise. Help and support for these families and children in school and at home with therapies would lessen this burden and the strain it puts on our community.

Dyspraxia is not just a learning disability it affects every area of their life and behaviours.

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

• Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
• The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
• Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Therapy and allied health services,
• Education support (technology/services/equipment),
• Support for families and carers

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme will offer a way that we can have more of a voice in what care and support our children with Dyspraxia will receive. Hopefully Dyspraxia will now be a recognised disability and we can finally get the help we have been asking for for years. THe NDIS would hopefully give us the ability to access to therapy and care for our dyspraxic children and the support that the families need to provide the best care and education support that they so despraretly need

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

mrs Michelle Wallis