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: Thursday, 27 December 2012 1:12:08 AM
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.
I am an amputee as a result on a head-on car accident in 1988. My husband,
also injured in the accident, was made redundant in 2007, and now aged 64,
has reduced earnings from his part-time position, with which to support us both
for as long as we live. New prostheses are extremely costly, and even repairs and
alterations to the existing one are frighteningly so. My one attempt, some months
ago, to obtain financial assistance via Centrelink due to the disability was stymied
at the point where some financial details were required. I was unable to provide
these, but thought that my husband could. Before I knew it, a letter was sent to
me from the Office, stating that my time allowance for providing the information
had expired, resulting in Case Closed. The paperwork had been placed on my
husband`s desk, awaiting the information , which had not come to light in time !
I think that the likliehood of being able to obtain and maintain paid employment
myself now, should thi s be my only means of supporting this disability for the
remainder of the life is not good, being infirm and also 64 years of age already at
this stage. So a means of assistance as the years go on would be very much
appreciated by both of us ! The original Compensation payment made by the
Courts did help initially, but was not sufficient for the long term needs that seem
to be becoming increasingly expensive, just for the skilled labour alone, let alone
the amazing innovations in the area of limb loss rehabilitation.
The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:
- Better access to mainstream support and services,
- The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
- 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,
- In-home care and domestic assistance,
- Crisis and emergency support
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
Stability of psychological, educational and physical support mechanisms will
ensure that many with disabilities will be able to rise above their disadvantages,
able to make really positive contributions to the society of which they are a part.슠Caring parents and life partners will be freed up also to contribute to their
communities, knowing that their loved ones are being given dignity and
generosity in order to be able to reach goals and achieve milestones currently
impossible to attain.
We all pay taxes throughout our working lives, but some suffer debilitating
setbacks along the way.Love thy neighbour as thyselfwould seem to support this method of keeping
everyone on an even keel, for the benefit of the whole.
I agree for my submission to be made public
Regards,
mrs margaret makewell