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 4:38:36 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.

The current system is a lottery and many people are locked out of meaningful support. What support there is is uncoordinated, fragmented and unreliable. Many live on or below the poverty line making planning for the future impossible and making it extremely difficult to engage in their communities. For those who have family support, the carers are often unable to do paid work as well, increasing the difficulties within the household, and often leading to avoidable poor mental health and distress.

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, Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Therapy and allied health services, Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

All people with a disability, regardless of fault and causation, deserve the opportunity to engage as fully as they can or wish with society. Their basic needs should be met, and met reliably so that they can plan for the future. Carers should be supported and not relied upon, so that they can also live independent and fulfilling lives. Australia is a rich country - this should be one of our top priorities when budget decisions are made.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Dr Jane Ralls