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 7:31:05 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.

Because my son does not get recognised as having disabilities.

He has many separate conditions (acquired brain injury - birth asphyxia, autism, erb’s palsy, receptive & expressive speech delays, oppositional defiance disorder, incontinence & congenital hypothyroidism.

All of these together make up for an extremely difficult job in caring for him. Doctors have medically diagnosed all of the above & it is well reported & Aspect/Facsia have formally recognised his Autism.

The NSW department of education DONOT recognise ANY of his disabilities & REFUSE to make any funding allocations. I have to pay for private school fee’s out of my paltry carers pension so my son can attend a special needs Steiner school 1.5hrs drive away. My son has to endure 3hrs travel each day to receive an education in a safe environment.

The Education department refused to assist in a special class placement at a school 5 mins drive from my home that would be good for us as a family.

ADHC failed us, despite Ministerial intervention (Tanya Plibersek).. I needed urgent medical attention with surgery - ADHC played games & gave false hope in providing respite whilst I was in hospital - because my son was at the time home schooled.

We DONOT receive ANY of the services officially recognised for children such as my son: Speech therapy, physiotherapy, behavioural therapy, respite, funding… absolutely nothing!

I’ve given up on the government - they are useless.

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,
• Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support,
• Less red tape, with planning done locally by people who know their community

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 whole Australian system of services (or lack thereof) for people with special needs is a SYSTEMIC failure.

The Government Has Denied Australians

The government has denied Australians & their families, who quite often through no fault of their own, find themselves facing a life of misery with disability. This MUST change.

The NDIS is the only hope we have. NO RED TAPE.

This is the way forward.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

MS CARON KAMI