NDIA Accountability Project

Daughter with multiple disabilities facing therapy affordability challenges

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 9:51:25 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.

Having a daughter with multiple disabilities it is hard to be able to afford all the therapies that she needs. Her high dependency means that it is impossible for me to return to work fulltime, which means the chances of us_owning our home that has been built or adapted to her needs unlikely. Although we are very thankful for the support that we receive and equipment, 12 to 18 months is a long time for a child to have to wait for a wheelchair! Along with the extra money having to spend on therapies and the loss of wages it is frustrating that any equipment or toys or anything that mentions special needs makes the price sky rocket and can be at least double what you would pay for the same item overseas. Raising a special needs child with basically half a brain who was born that way should get the same funding as a person hurt in a car accident ie Greenslip! Lastly I believe that the private health insurance should be overhauled so that important equipment needed is part of the ir funding

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

  • Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
  • More opportunities to participate in the community,
  • Older parents and families will not worry what happens when they can no longer provide support.

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Therapy and allied health services,
  • Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
  • Education support (technology/services/equipment).

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Australia is one of the leading countries of the world but their support for people with disabilities is below par. In our journey so far we have met s lot if families who are struggling to survive and provide everything their disabled child family member needs as well as the rest of the family. Unless there is a way for you to prove negligence and receive compensation the financial pressures along with tuesday to day caring responsibility can be overwhelming. NDIS should not be considered a luxury or is a necessity for families like mine and their children.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mrs Kerri-ann Canavero