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 6:17:22 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.

Currently the system works (to an extent) with my older son diagnosed with cerebral palsy and global development delay. He receives some support which we use for speech therapy. I don’t know how main stream schooling will work if he still doesn’t eat or isn’t toilet trained especially considering I will only be sending him to main stream schools. For my younger son who is diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis and has a benign tumour which will eventually cause blindness we receive a lot less. We have to travel often to see doctors as there are no specialists where we live. Sure some of our travel costs might be paid for but unless we are prepared to wait months and months for appointments then we have to be a private patient which costs us a fortune.

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

• Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
• Better access to mainstream support and services,
• Better access to education and work opportunities

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Therapy and allied health services,
• Life-skills,
• Employment support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Because I have 2 special needs kids. Until you are in this situation you have no idea how difficult life can be.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mrs Christine James