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 4:30:18 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.

The current “disabilty system” simply does not adequately address the multitude of issues facing the individual with the disability (and their family). In most cases, funding for allied health, accommodation, equipment, employment, community integration and support workers must be applied for. This process is not only time consuming and labour intensive, it significantly limits the potential for recovery and re-integration of the disabled individual during this process. The added effect is that increased pressure is placed upon hospital and community based staff to provide short term “band-aid solutions” and transfer disabled individuals to another care provider (which may not be entirely appropriate, but will clear the hospital bed or ease the wait-list). Those needing long term support are at significant risk of falling through the cracks, and those requiring intensive support are only provided with the bare minimum - which may still be inadequate.

Another current feature of the “disability system” is that in some cases, assistance is usually offered to disabled individuals/their families in need after a crisis or after a significant event. With appropriate NDIS systems in place, crises can be averted in some cases prior to evolving, and assistance can be provided as needed, rather than months further down the track.

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

Ensure support and equipment is available when needed, More rights for people with a disability, Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

Therapy and allied health services, Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

It will allow the disabled (and their families) the ability to access the necessary assistance to recover and/or achieve the best outcome in a timely fashion with the input from qualified personnel.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mr Isuru Patabendige