NDIA Accountability Project

Broken disability system and lack of funding for families and carers

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 5:26:36 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 am writing this as an advocate for the individuals their families and carers that my Organsiation supports on a day to day, week to week and year to year basis.

The current system is totally broken, inadequate and a complete lottery that people have very little chance of winning. Too often has P.A.S.T been in the situation where we have been unable to support people because they do not have funding attached to them. They are on the DSR waiting list and short of a major crisis will probably not get the funding and supports they need and require.

For those that do have funding are often funded at a level where not even their basic needs can be met. Unfortunately people do not do or say anything for fear that they might loose what they have and been in a worse situation. They do not want to rock the boat. The current situation is deplorable and must be changes as soon as possible. An NDIS is our only hope!

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

  • People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
  • Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family,
  • 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,
  • People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered,
  • Older parents and families will not worry what happens when they can no longer provide support

Most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Accommodation options,
  • Case management, planning and coordination,
  • Crisis and emergency support,
  • Positive behaviour support and psychological services

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

There is no option but to support an NDIS. Without it, the current system will be further in crisis and at risk of breakdown. The situation is so serious it is unimaginable what it would be like in the future for people with a disability their families and carers without an NDIS.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mrs Terri Carroll