NDIA Accountability Project

Lack of respite and accommodation options for daughter with intellectual disabilities

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 9:56:53 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.

  1. I constantly worry what will happer to out daughter when we are no longer able to care for. There is no system inplace now which we can plan towards, where we can have some peace of mind.
  2. I have to beg for respite, booking system is poor, have to give the dates in 6 months in advance and there is no guarantee, that the day i want will be allocated. There is a big problem in the system.
  3. In home respite is very limited and expensive. Overnight respire at home will be beneficial but cost is great.
  4. Waiting lists for equipment is far too long.
  5. There is no one coordinator for our family who will look at pur specific needs. I spend hours on planning respite bookings, home care,
  6. We have no spontaneity in our life . no care is available last minute.

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

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, 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:

Accommodation options, Flexible in-home/outside home respite, Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

This is the best thing that has come about and thanks to the government. I support NDIS for the following reasons.

  1. I hope there will various accommodation options for people with severe intellectual disabilities who need 24 hour care. At present there is no hope until there is a crisis. THIS IS MY PRIORITY.
  2. There will be extra support for families so they can continue to look after their loved one for as long as they can.
  3. I hope the services will be better coordinated.
  4. Currently there is a waiting list for almost everything, sometimes years- hope things will improve with NDIS

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Swati Lele