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 2:21:59 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.
My 9yr old son , who has multiple disabilities, which include Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, Visual Impairment, Epilepsy, Microcephally, oppositional behaviours & possible ADHD, has been on the waiting list for a Case Manager from ADHC for approx four years. Firstly on the Hunter’s waiting list for approx 12 months, only to be later transferred to the Central Coast’s waiting list, at the request of his Occupational Therapist from his Autistic school, which he has been waiting on & is currently still waiting on for over 3yrs. Respite is very limited & has to be used sparingly, even now that has a 6month old sibling & I’m stretched both resource wise, physically & emotionally to the point that older 18yr old sister had to take on the role of primary carer whilst his young baby brother is so highly dependant on me. I am a single mum, not boy choice, my 18yr old daughter’s father was killed in a car accident when she was One year old & father (also the baby’s father) and I have had a casual, on/off relationship for nearly 11yrs, which started out very casual & resulted in my pregnancy with & some years later baby Cooper. I am raising them all on my own & could do with a lot more assistance when it comes to meeting needs, especially with O.T., Speech Therapy & the like. Faschia funding does not cover children in his age group. Also, the Autistic school my son goes to, Aspect @ Terrigal costs me out of procket over $4000 yearly, as it’s not fully government fund ed. Even though I was receiving a Carer’s pension, o discounts are offered or available. There are so many extra expenses & appointments to attend, much more than can be listed in this brief email to you. I now have to get back to my children. I hope this helps in some small way for the NDIS bill.
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
- More opportunities to participate in the community
The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:
- Equipment and home/vehicle modifications
- Education support (technology/services/equipment)
- Support for families and carers
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
We need an Insurance for people with disabilities in our society, In Australia, today, to ensure that we are all working together to provide people with disabilities the best possible chance at a high quality of life.
I agree for my submission to be made public
Regards,
Ms Kylie Trevasons