NDIA Accountability Project

Shortage of accessible housing and transport for people with disabilities in rural Queensland

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 11:35:47 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.

We live in rural far north Queensland.There is a sparcity of funds and of people willing to provide support to people with disabilities in a constructive manner which preserves their dignity and pride as everyday citizens of Australia. Transport here for a person in a wheelchair is confined to one wheelchair taxi, which is always fully booked as both the hospital and the nursing home use it as well as people who are supported in their family home or in their own residence. To travel to Cairns our nesrest large town in it even with taxi vouchers costs over $200. There is a shortage of housing commission type housing which is the only form of housing which people with disabilities can hope to live in. This housing when available is not accessible to any large extent.People with disabilities are a low priority for provision of this housing especially when they are still living in the family home. When a family supports their son or daughter (adult) with a disability they become priority zero in the scheme of receiving funding to enable their person to become a fully functioning member of their community. This is neither fair to aging parents, siblings or most especially to the person with a disability. Every Australian Citizen should have the right to grow, mature and become and intradependent contributing member of their community,

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

  • People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
  • Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support,
  • 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:

  • Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
  • Recreation and community access,
  • Accommodation options

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I have been involved in discussions over many years about improving the lives of people with disabilities and I see the NIDS as a further rung on the ladder which may eventually lead to a fully intergrated life in their communities for people with disabilities. Hopefully it will make it possible to have safeguards in the lives of these vulnerable people which will enable them to contribute to their greatest potential

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Suzanne Tuttle