NDIA Accountability Project

Severe autism spectrum disorder and Asperger's syndrome support needs in rural Tasmania

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 3:50:31 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 wife and I have a 22 year old daughter, , with a severe autism spectrum disorder, and a 20 year old daughter, , with Asperger’s syndrome. We live in a country town in northern Tasmania.

  has no speech and a very low level of intellectual functioning, and needs 24 hour a day care. Through a lot of effort and sacrifice on our part she has been in a suitable weekday placement for some years. However, there is no guarantee that         will be able to continue in this placement indefinitely. Services for adults with severe intellectual disabilities are very limited in Australia - certainly in our area - and we fear for the future. We believe under the NDIS there should be a greater range of services for these vulnerable people.

    functions at a much higher level than      and in some areas is quite gifted. However, she still has great difficulty dealing with other people and many aspects of daily living. There needs to be more support for people with Asperger's, especially in rural and regional areas, for example at university and in seeking employment.

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 plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
  • 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:

  • Therapy and allied health services,
  • Accommodation options,
  • Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

At present services for the disabled are inadequate and fragmented. The disabled have a right to a full range of services that will enable them to achieve their potential.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mr Stephen Ferris