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: Thursday, 24 January 2013 2:30:22 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.

The system does not currently work for our family because of the following . *Lack of therapy services. *No respite places for people with significant to severe behavior difficulties. *Lack of support for both early intervention resources as well as lack of resources for PWD in their final years with either dementia and /or cancer , with the provision end of life care .

ALSO OF HIGH IMPORTANCE :

*Our family and many many other PWD require local, focused, accessible “FREE ADVOCACY SERVICES”. Current Advocacy services , attracting Gov and Private funds are failing to do their job and are totally ineffective in meeting the needs of PWD

*Our family and many many other individuals with Disabilities are not being provided with adequate and essential educational , because of limited resources ，lack of physical access，lack of both physical and educational support within the classroom ，institution ，or lecture rooms and work experience setting . This must change to provide equity and take PWD off the Governments “Pension System”, which in turn improves their self worth and well being .

PWD must be granted the opportunity and choice to stay within the Government educational system until they are 25 years old age to enable them to have full time training ，work preparation and work experiences. The current system of “Post School” placement is not working ，as some PWD are only permitted to attend a Center for only part of the week as attendance is determined by their level of disability and or the level of being able to “self manage”.

For our family the provision of “Respite” is almost non existent as we have to book into places months and months in advance and only receive respite if a place exists . The current system does not work because of lack of respite places.

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

Better access to mainstream support and services, Better access to education and work opportunities, Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

Education support (technology/services/equipment), Employment support, Flexible in-home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme

The NDIS is the most important advancement for the support of PWD ever provided in Australia. This initiative will provide support for individuals PWD as well as their families , carers , provider and also provide equity of access for individuals with a disability .

I would like to speak to the committee regarding our situation , if an opportunity is provided to do so , as I am able and would like to provide additional detail .

Thank you for letting me submit my point of view.

Bruce Donaldson

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mr Bruce Donaldson