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: Saturday, 22 December 2012 11:31:37 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.

*When I was working (and recieved mobility allowance) I was entitled to a health care card- not any longer I had to medically retire *As health has declined needed to obtain a more comprehensive modified vehicle (no public transport in rural areas) 18 mth wait to get van manufactured and modified with a cost of $119000- had to financially fund via my mortgage-no public funding in NSW available-Young Care kindly provided a grant of $10000. *When I was working I was able to buy a vehicle & parts GST free, now I am unable to work I have to pay GST and stamp duty on the new vehicle *Waited 18 mths for power wheelchair under ENABLE/PADP *Wiated 16 mths for manual wheelchair under PADP *Waited 6 mths for regular cystoscopy consultation and Im in private health cover *Cost just for my urinary bags is $3.50 per day - total medical costs for equipment for bowels/bladder/medication etc last financial year was in excess of $6000 *In the event my health worsens and I require complex care I have been advised that there is no guarentee that I would obtain any assistance due to waitlist, is not on needs basis. *Have been waiting 12 mths for an occupational therapist to do kitchen modification assessment, so kitchen can be made accessible to enable independence and alleviate aggrivation and pain to my upper arm condition - being a paraplegic it is very frustrating

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 ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person, People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Flexible in-home/outside home respite, Crisis and emergency support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

NDIS will focus on an individuals needs and assist where the current systme fails.

27 years ago when I became a paraplegic, hospitalisation and rehabilitation was based on a persons needs not on a time frame.

Ididnt leave rehab until I was retrained and job ready, fully independent, had all of my equipment, my family home was accessible and I had my licence. Over a two year period. I was aware of all community support and supported reguarly and kept up to date with changes etc. All this was done through CRS and the

• nsw health system.

Having been through this thorough process I gained a job with 2 years and remained in fulltime work for 22 years. Now that I am unable to work and I have more medical needs, I am unable to access many of the benefits I could when I was working. ie: gst free vehicle & parts purchase, health care card, bulk billing from dr’s, access to public dental system, ambulance cover.

Nowadays people are placed in the community before they have even had time to come to terms with their “new life” . They are yet to be retrained, wait for equipment, accessible housing and very little support and guidance. There are way too many key stakeholders, who fail to communicate and centrally casemanage a person on their needs and are more focused on meeting their own eligibility criteria.

I agree for my submission to be made public