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 5:04:23 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 am currently excluded from Queensland’s Disability Services because of my diagnosis of ME/CFS. This is in spite of the fact I am more severely disabled then other qualifying illnesses.

I am unable to shower myself, dress myself, prepare meals, walk unassisted, clean, organise a list for shopping, order groceries , run errands, leave the house etc. Currently my mother is my carer and she struggles with the load. She simply cannot manage to give me the support I require.

That any government allows the weakest of their community to live without dignity and in shame, struggling with poverty and no access to appropriate care is simply not good enough.

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, Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support, 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.

Even though I don’t believe I will necessarily qualify for the NDIS - although I should as should other Australians with acute ME/CFS - it is an important step towards a better future for the disabled.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Amara Campbell