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 4:38:14 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.

As a member of a community and a member of society I feel ashamed and helpless that some people are isolated or not able to participate in and contribute to their community as fully as possible due to inadequate or insufficient support &/or equipment &/or resourses. I feel ashamed that some people, through no fault of their own but due to circumstances and a sense of commitment, have to devote so much of their lives to supporting and facilitating the lives and ongoing care of a disabled family member. If there is a fair disability insurance scheme the burden can be shared by the community as a whole.

So many siblings miss out on so much that a childhood in Australia should be able to provide because their parents are preoccupied with the care and attention and expense that are required to ensure a disabled member of the family is able to participate and function as fully as possible.

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

• Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
• Better access to education and work opportunities,
• 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:

• Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
• Life-skills,
• Support for families and carers

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I believe all members of a society have a responsibility to ensure everyone in their society has the opportunity to participate and contribute to the best of their ability. This applies also to carers of people with a disability. Carers should be able to contribute to society and live a fulfilling and rewarding life of their own, ot just be a carer for a family member with a disability.

All the features listed above will impact in a positive way on the community, and are important for the NDIS to provide, although some will be more important than others to particular people with a disability &/or their carers. All will make ours a better society.

And let’s face it … we never know when we, or a member of our family, could need the help and support that a National Disability Insurance Scheme offers.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Diane Davies