NDIA Accountability Project

Son with intellectual disability unable to access support package

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Spam: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012

From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Spam: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Friday, 21 December 2012 10:25:25 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.

Our son who is 34 with an intellectual disability is unable to access a support package. We worked very hard in the early years to assist him to develop as many skills as possible and I was fully aware of how mastering skills for independent living were essential for later in life. I was a special ed. teacher for 30years and involved in early intervention for 10 years.

Ironically, when seeking support for our son to live independently it is not available because compared to many others he has a high skill level. The years of visiting specialists to help him to walk and master basic skills and communicate were vital and he wishes to live by himself. We have encouraged him to achieve this goal and hope that it will be during our life time.

As a Community visitor I visit people in group homes and know that their needs require a greater level of support however for those like my son there is nothing other than living at home and when the parents die what does the future hold?

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

  • People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
  • The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
  • 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:

  • Therapy and allied health services,
  • Employment support,
  • Accommodation options

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

No-one chooses to sustain a life-long disability especially when many services are difficult to access and costly. The extra responsibility of rearing a child with a disability often takes a toll on the family especially if there is limited support within the family. The cost of programs and specialized equipment often means some children and adults cannot benefit from what is available. The NIDS would help alleviate some of these issues.

I have witnessed the struggle for many families and know from my own personal experience how much easier it would be if funds could be available to assist with providing the best possible solution to a particular need ie. speech therapy, espite or any of the above supports. It is often the parents who form a support group, fund raise and try to raise awareness in order to improve the situation and this also causes further stress. To not feel guilty about accessing programs and to give people with a disability dignity and a say in what is best for them is why I support the NIDS.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Judy Bink