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: Friday, 25 January 2013 11:08:21 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.

My daughter now 25, has a severe intellectual disability. Her current needs for respite and day program are being met BUT there is no plan for her accommodation and care when we are too old to care for her. We are now in our 50s, and need to know she will have a safe place to live when we can no longer provide this for her.

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

• The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
• Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family, 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:

• Life-skills, Accommodation options

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

The scheme provides funding and a framework for coordinated help. It moves disability services to service not charity. It will give us confidence that plans for the future can be made and will not be at the whim of the current funding cycle. My other children will not need to plan their adult lives around the care of their sister. They can have input but not need to assume full responsibility for her at the expense of themselves.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

MS Jenny Clarke