NDIA Accountability Project

Difficulties navigating the disability system for older carers with limited English

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: Tuesday, 22 January 2013 9:26:17 AM

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 the General Manager aged & Disability at Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre and the difficulties that our older carers have navigating or having any understanding of the changes or the current system are difficult for a person that has english as a second language. Consideration for the CALD community has not been a focus on providing agencies or the general public in the marketing of the NDIS, as it all requires additional resources. The Disability system has failed some of the families/carers in the CALD communities to be provided in education and ongoing education.Practice appears to tick all the boxes,but in reality it is an ongoing battle for our clients/carers and families. I am concerned for our clients/cares and families when they think that they will be entitled or eligible for supports and services,and they find out that they will not be or have less supports for them to live independently in their community of choice.

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

  • Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
  • People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
  • 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:

  • Accommodation options,
  • Case management, planning and coordination,
  • Interpreters and other communication support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

It provides a person with a disability the rights and to have access to supports & services to live independently in the community of their choice and to participate in what they would like to achieve.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Veronica Treloar