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: Monday, 21 January 2013 1:03:55 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.

My son has autism and needs to have multiple therapies each week to help him reach his full potential. This is not excessive, this is what we need to do for him to help him FIT IN with society. Without these therapies we couldn’t leave the house with him and he wouldn’t be able to function within society. The expenses build up significantly, and as I have to be with him at all times, I can not seek employment.

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

• More opportunities to participate in the community,
• More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
• More rights for people with a disability,
• People with disability can choose who comes into their home,
• 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,
• Removal of age barriers to services for children

Most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Therapy and allied health services,
• Education support (technology/services/equipment),
• Life-skills,
• Support for families and carers,
• Case management, planning and coordination,
• Positive behaviour support and psychological services

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Anything has to be better than what is happening now.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mrs Annabel Lawlor