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 10:48:24 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’s Autism-related anxiety is so extreme that we can’t access respite, education or therapy for him. We don’t fall into the ‘normal’ category of disabilities. This last year has been torture for us. When we were finally assessed as ‘at risk’ by Disability Services we were told that there was not a single support they could offer us…….NONE. We have no plans, no support and no hope under the current system.

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

• Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family,
• Removal of age barriers to services for children, 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:

• Therapy and allied health services, In-home care and domestic assistance, Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I’m tired of feeling that I am alone. I do not feel supported by the community or the government at the moment but I can see that the NDIS will change all that.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Kathy Harris