NDIA Accountability Project

Problems with current disability system and need for wider support

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: Sunday, 23 December 2012 1:58:28 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.

Both work opportunities and a stable abode seem very hard to come by.It seems that affordable housing is in remote areas that are far from services needed by disabled people.This situation further exacerbates a disabled persons’ alienation from society by putting a physical barrier between available services and those needing to use them.To fix this problem is an expensive and difficult proposition but having both a disability myself and having worked in the welfare sector I see these problems as the most prominent.I see government as the overarching organization vested with the task of ordering society and here is a huge gap.

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

  • Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
  • More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
  • People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Therapy and allied health services,
  • Accommodation options,
  • Interpreters and other communication support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Disabled people need wider ranging and more flexible support and I see the NDIS as offering hope in this regard.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mr. ROBERT Parsons