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 1:45:33 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 daughter was born with disabilities - mainly intellectual. I have spent her whole life working to make support systems happen, not only for my family, but for other people in my local area. When I arrived in Queensland, in 1981, there was very little assistance for families of people with disabilities. Schooling was provided by the Endeavour Foundation (known then as the Queensland Sub- Normal Childrens Welfare Association) A more horrible title would be hard to find, and symptomatic if thinking back then. Fortunately they changed it! Respite was just about non-existent, especially in the area I lived, so along with others I fought for funding to establish a respite centre. We parents were worn out, stressed, and badly needed an occasional break. My point is that we should not have had to do this! Our children should have been entitled to, and have access to the same opportunities as other children, and now that they are adults, the same applies. An NDIS is essential to give these Australians an equal right to a life which is inclusive in the community, and the support they need to become a real part of society, instead of a marginalised group, dependent on inadequate funds and volunteers to provide daily needs.

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

• Ensure support and equipment is available when needed, People with a disability can choose the types of support to use,
• Better access to mainstream support and services,
• Better access to education and work opportunities,
• More opportunities to participate in the community,
• More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
• More rights for people with a disability,
• People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
• People with a disability can choose who comes into their home,
• The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
• Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family,
• Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support,
• Less red tape, with planning done locally by people who know their community,
• Access to reliable information about support options,
• Removal of age barriers to services for children,
• People with disabilit y/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:

• Therapy and allied health services,
• Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
• Education support (technology/services/equipment),
• Life-skills,
• Employment support,
• Recreation and community access,
• Support for families and carers,
• Accommodation options,
• In-home care and domestic assistance,
• Flexible in- home/outside home respite,
• Case management, planning and coordination,
• Crisis and emergency support,
• Positive behaviour support and psychological services,
• Interpreters and other communication support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Having ticked all of the above, my answer is obvious.

I support it because it is a RIGHT for people with disabilities to have access to supports which will enable them to enjoy a quality of life available to everyone.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Sara Sutherland