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: Monday, 24 December 2012 1:25:45 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.

There is not enough government help, physio’s are changed all of the time, the kids don’t know them and so don’t work well with them. Private health workers are very expensive and so cannot be considered by a lot of people. There doesn’t seem to be continuity available. The waiting lists for equipment are ludicrous, sometimes the child has grown out of the equipment before they get them. The drigmorale for financial help, say for nappies is too much, especially when the govt. agencies know the children and there is no information shared with parents as to what other help is available, it’s word of mouth from people who have been down the same road before you. More caring carers more often to help with personal cleanliness.

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

• Ensure support and equipment is available when needed
• Less red tape, with planning done locally by people who know their community
• 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
• Support for families and carers
• Flexible in-home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

My granddaughter has disabilities and so I have first hand experience with support services and much more is needed and services need to be flexible

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Ms Patricia Ramsden