NDIA Accountability Project

Difficulties with school support and living arrangements for people with disabilities

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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: Sunday, 20 January 2013 10:35:04 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. The current disability system does not work as it is limiting people’s choices. Already in the early intervention space there is a push towards specialised services where there should be a focus on inclusion.

When it comes to schools again a lot of parents are told that their children need “special” support in “special” schools or support units. There is no understanding of the long-term implications of a segregated upbringing.

Once the child is ready to leave school things become especially difficult with sorting out living arrangements, work and social settings.

On too many occasions people with disability are forced onto the disability pension because the system is not flexible enough for them to work and get extra support.

People with a disability are more likely to be living in poverty in Australia than any other developed country, and the nation ranks in the bottom third of OECD nations in employing those with a disability.

Doesn’t that say it all?

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

  • Better access to mainstream support and services,
  • Better access to education and work opportunities,
  • More opportunities to participate in the community

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Education support (technology/services/equipment),
  • Employment support,
  • Accommodation options

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

We need an NDIS so that people with a disability get to choose where they go to school, where they live, who they hang out with and where they work.

Australia has signed up to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

People are entitled to fair treatment and we are still begging for changes. We certainly shouldn’t have to.

Regards Marion

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Marion Trabe