NDIA Accountability Project

Therapy and equipment needs for a child with disability

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 5:06:03 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 daughter and her husband have had to give up one job while the other one works 3 jobs to pay for the therapy and equipment their second child with disability needs. They have been surrounded by bureaucracy and wasteful spending, but cannot get a fraction of the support they and their son needs. We have helped them financially, giving up much of our retirement income and investments to support our grandson. Our daughter and son in law have no superannuation and a huge disability debt because they never received any support. Through their efforts they have ensured their son is healthy, educated, has the equipment and therapy he needs to go to university, get a job and pay tax. Their family has been left financially, physically and emotionally deplete. It is a disgrace.

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

  • Ensure support and equipment is available when needed, People with a disability can choose the types of support to use

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Therapy and allied health services, Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Education support (technology/services/equipment)

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Because anyone can become disabled. The nation needs to ensure everyone has a decent life and the opportunity to contribute. The NDIS is an investment, just like education or preventative health. It benefits the whole nation if people with disability and their families can contribute to and be part of Australian life. It needs to happen across the country as fast as possible.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Jeanette Anderson