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, 21 December 2012 9:34:48 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.

I have been very fortunate recently to have an increase in my son’s funding - but my husband had to have his leg amputated before I was able to access the funding I had been crying out for for such a long time. Why is it that only when there is a crisis that we can get the help we desperately need. My needs were there before my husband’s surgery - but all I could get were nice interviews and letters stating my needs but no funding.

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,
• Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
• Flexible in-home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

We need a system that enables us to have the finances and supports to meet the needs of our family.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mrs Christine McDonald