NDIA Accountability Project

Daughter with Rett syndrome living in a group home

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: Friday, 21 December 2012 5:00:17 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.

It does. But there are so many that miss out. Our daughter age 38 with rett syndrome has lived in a group home with 4 others for the last 18 years. It is a wonderful service run by Campbelltown UnitingCare Hurley House. She lives in a purpose built house with 24 hour care with staff that have been there over 11 years on average. It should be used as a model of what can be done with parent, church and community involvement. I must disclose I am on the Management Committee of Hurley House and Treasurer of Campbelltown Unitingcare. I have been involved with disabilities for over 30 years and have a particular interest in group homes have built this one and being involved in management of the House from planning stage on.

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

  • 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,
  • 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:

  • Accommodation options,
  • Case management, planning and coordination,
  • Crisis and emergency support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

We have always been aware how lucky to have a long term future for our daughter and for the opportunities it afforded us to continue to work and pay taxes. The group home setting with person centred planning involves our daughter in so many activities which we would never be able to organise ourselves

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mr John Russell