From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Thursday, 24 January 2013 2:38:14 PM
The current disability system has many problems that need to be addressed.
I have a 22 year old severely autistic boy with intellectual delay who has severe behaviors of concern. The system doesn’t work well for us because our son is so severe in his behaviors and a lot of organizations that are funded to look after the disabled refuse to look after him for ‘health & safety’ reasons. The biggest problem I have found is that so much money is being flooded for the young disabled (under 16 years of age). When a family decide that they want to keep their disabled son/daughter at home, they need to have some kind of overnight respite facility to assist them get some breaks. There needs to be better overnight & holiday respite facilities to cater for the disabled person over 24 years of age and also for those who are over 64 years of age. I found that respite is limited to 1 night per 3 months when you are over 24 years of age and non-existent when you are 64 years of age. Also our son can have massive behavioral episodes at home and there should be a service that can come over (at any time of need) and assist us. I worry at these times that we are all at risk when our son has his massive episodes. He has broken so much furniture, vehicles, home and also hits out at us.
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 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
The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:
- Accommodation options,
- Crisis and emergency support,
- Positive behaviour support and psychological services
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
I am a bit worried about the NDIS as I wonder who can assist us when we are unhappy with the system. I don’t like it to be self-run but still under the Government control. I am very worried that the NDIS will be run by a private agency who has the control to do whatever they choose. An appeal process needs to be available and the Government still needs to be in control of final decisions as to individuals concerned.
I agree for my submission to be made public
Regards, Mrs Marie Dennaoui