NDIA Accountability Project

Underfunding and waiting times for equipment

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 7:32:33 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 system is underfunded.

I get the basic of funding as I am on the waiting list for an ISP after 9 years and this adds unnecessary stress to my everyday life.

Aids and Equipment are vitally important to enhance my independence, However, the extensive waiting time is ridiculous and the gap between the cost of the equipment and what I am eligible to receive is way beyond my means. There are times when I have to simply go without a piece of equipment that I require.

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 choose the types of support to use,
  • Better access to mainstream support and services,
  • More rights for people with a disability,
  • People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
  • People with disability can choose who comes into their home,
  • The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
  • 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,
  • Access to reliable information about support options,
  • People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Therapy and allied health services,
  • Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
  • In-home care and domestic assistance

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Because we hope that under an NDIS we will get support we need, no red tape any more and no waiting as we the disabled have spent our lives waiting

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mrs Lynne Foreman