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 12:32:37 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.

I support a person on DSP due to mental health issues and find that the system makes unrealistic assumptions which if unchecked disadvantage people. Mental Health is recognized internationally as part of disability and systems and structures must respect differences rather than adopt a ne size fits all.

Considering others with mental health journey’s I would make the point that where they ca and would prefer to work that the structures do not facilitate this due to entrenched concepts of full time and part time work. A person might be able to work 6hours one day or 2 hors on another but rarely an 8 hour day regularly.

Stigma suggests employment is inferior to that of others in the labour force.

In respect of other disabilities people in wheelchairs do not have reasonable access to many buildings in 2012.

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

• People with a disability can choose the types of support to use,
• People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
• Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
• Life-skills,
• Support for families and carers

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I support this proposal because it is long overdue and affords greater dignity and respect to people with diverse, different and ongoing disabilities and their family nd carers who have carried the responsibility and the costs in many cases for too long.

I also feel provision needs to be made as parents and grandparents will within an ageing population one day unable to carry this responsibility. Additionally it is the responsibility of government and community to assist the needy who lack choices, opportunities, skills and capacities to cope and live a life as a community member with full dignity and respect.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mental health as part of disability Stephen Brown