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 2:20:23 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.

JOB OPPORTUNITY There are very few opportunities for meaningful work for my son who will never be able to drive. Despite his intellectual disability, he can work with his hands and follow instructions. He can work as a labourer or a gardener but he has to have transport provided for him. He was trained at TAFE under a Horticultural traineeship and when the course was over, he was left in the lurch. The experience is one of extreme frustration. Particularly since he is a very capable citizen in terms of contributing to employment. I suggest that TAFE follow through and take responsibility to find employment for their trainees. Like TAFEs in Rome Italy. The TAFE’s can collaborate with industry where they are required to work under regular supervision in a part time basis. TAFE can offer regular training and continued monitoring. Monitor TAFE teachers e nsuring they are qualified. Set up an employment system with regular participating employers. Ensure and place safe guards so that these vulnerable people are not abused and parents can go about their work life in confidence that their children/adults are looked after. Candidates are grouped according to their level of disability. (My son was grouped work alongside highly intellectually disabled people when his disability is mild to medium – very disempowering prospect) Transport and support Offer support for children/adults who need to attend regular work, medical appointment such physios, speech pathology etc. Work with parents who require streamlined regular support to take children and adults, who cannot drive children/adults to appointments irrespective of the level of disability ie, intellectual or physical, to and from appointments using effective taxi service. Perhaps the council could invest in disability vehicles that can be used specifically for people with disabilities. Have a voluntary system like Meals On Wheels where volunteers can take people to appointments and also provide meals on needs basis.

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

Ensure support and equipment is available when needed, Better access to education and work opportunities, 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:

Education support (technology/services/equipment), Life-skills, Employment support

Support for Introduction of the NDIS

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I support the scheme because i believe that as community we have responsibility to care for our most vulnerable . We also need to provide signifiance to these people who are in this position through no fault of their own and importantly we need to send a strong message to the whole of (civilised and enlightened) society to accept responsibility. I worry about the future for my son and hope that he will have enough money to support himself when I pass away. I have tried to prepare for that occassion by working muliple jobs so that he will have my home but that ofcourse means that my older son will not benefit from the family home.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Tina DeSarro