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 4:34:22 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.

I find that the current system does not support someone who is trying to get on with life in their own way regardless of the circumstances. It also lets down those who choose to care for them. If you wish to be actively involved in selecting, purchasing equipment and support you tend to be perceived as “too difficult” and end up on the outer edge of any assistance. It tends to be their “typical” way or no way. Since being diagnosed with MS in 1992 and acquiring my first walking stick, I have tried to remain independent, working and able to contribute to society. I still pay taxes. This has been done with the support of my husband and little other support. My illness has progressed over time leaving me with increasing levels of disability to deal with. In 2008, I became unable to stand and totally wheelchair dependent with limited transfer skills. Since being diagnosed to now there has only been limited support provided to select the equipment I needed. To date we have purchased these items ourselves. As we age this may not always be possible. We are more than happy to co-contribute but where do we start to get the advice on selecting the “best” item if I have not been hospitalised? I have only had access to occasional but not ongoing physiotherapy or occupational therapy. Much of this has been during a hospital stay, which has not been that frequent. It seems easy to fall through the cracks of over stretched departments for any follow up assistance.

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

• People with a disability can choose the types of support to use,
• Better access to mainstream support and services,
• 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,
• Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
• In-home care and domestic assistance

I support the introduction of the NDIS. The NDIS will bring the disability system in Australia up to a level whereby the rights of individuals with a physical or mental impairment to achieve a meaningful life can be met. The scheme would enable people with disabilities, and those that care for them, to have a more active role in obtaining the support, services and equipment they require. This would result in a better quality of life.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Ms Michele Elze