NDIA Accountability Project

Son missed out on early intervention services

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 2:11:59 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 son missed out on, what we now realise, vital early intervention services when he was a pre-schooler. I hope that the NDIS will allow children with disability to receive the professional support they need to reach their potential, thereby leading to better lives and a more inclusive community where people with disability are able to participate.

As the parent of a now young adult, I fear for my son’s future when I am no longer able to care for him. I know older carers who fear old age much more than most because of the nightmare of not knowing what will become of their chidren.

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

  • More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
  • Less red tape, with planning done locally by people who know their community,
  • 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, Accommodation options, Flexible in- home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

As stated above, early intervention funding will provide better outcomes for PWD and their families as this will give PWD the best chance at a full life. I also think that we cannot be genuine about claiming to be a compassionate and fair society if we continue to see PWD and their families struggle to live at the minimum standard expected of citizens. Parents of children with disabilities have to beg for equipment, and some even abandon their children in order to get respite. This is unacceptable in an affluent country such as ours. I hope that the NDIS will support the needs of PWD and those who love them and show the community that PWD can contribute greatly to our society.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Michelle Frank