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 5:00:29 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.

The disability system should be more responsive to individual circumstances, the needs of patients with disabilities and the mitigate the impact it has on the family unit. Ongoing cost of management, particularly with regard to new technologies and high tech medical intervention is a major financial burden for families. Research into cures for disabilities such as Type 1 Diabetes needs to be more strongly supported particularly given the significant developments which have occured in recent years with respect to genetic engineering and thereputic cloning. Greater support would bring forward potential cures for such disabilities.

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,
• The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Therapy and allied health services,
• Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
• Support for families and carers

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Fundamentally, this scheme will reduce the financial, emotional and medical burden experienced each and every day by the affected individual, his/her parents and siblings. The quality of life, health benefits and ability to make a worthwhile and longterm contribution to society with be supported.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mr Ian Burke