NDIA Accountability Project

Access to therapy and equipment for students with disabilities in Catholic education

‹ PrevPage 1 of 2 · Source p. 1Next ›

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: Wednesday, 23 January 2013 11:15:11 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 work in the non government ( Catholic) education sector.I am continually frustrated at the inability of the sector to have a voice in discussions in regard to the implementation of NDIS. In recent discussions between DEEWR and FAHCSIA , all State and Territories were represented but the non government sector was allowed one representative each; disadvantaging State and Territory non- government representatives,in connecting and therefore having a voice with respect to possible changes and issues. People with disabilities who access schooling from the non government sector should not be disadvantaged in accessing attendant care and support such as therapy and equipment because of their choice in schooling. Access to supports which will be the responsibility of the NDIS scheme should be made available for those requiring it, regardless of their choice in school. This needs to be stated in processes and planning from the outset. Below,I have indicated the features that are most important to education and require clear statements of access ( and related reponsibility) so that all children and young people are able to access and participate successfully in education.

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 education and work opportunities,
  • The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Therapy and allied health services,
  • Education support (technology/services/equipment),
  • In-home care and domestic assistance

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

In the words of Kurt Fearnley….

“ I propose we look 10 years into the future. And imagine you are looking into the eyes of a child you love dearly. This child has a disability. Will we happily accept that we are still ranked at the bottom of developed nations in how we cater and support that child?“

“Or will we have pride in that we worked to reverse that situation and now, 10 years on, lead the world in supporting people with disabilities?” The NDIS is seen as potentially supporting people with disability who require life time care and support.“’

In my job I continually struggle to find funds to ensure that children with disability are able to access, participate in and achieve a worthwhile education.NDIS is suppose to assist so that we can strive for excellence and high

Submission

expectations.

I do believe that the intent of NDIS is correct. I am extremely concerned at the slowness of the roll out and the process of the trials.

I am especially concerned that students who choose a catholic education will not be able to access the required services that their peers will access because they attend a public school.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Geraldine Gray