NDIA Accountability Project

Support for people in disabling situations

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 6:07:00 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.

Not applicable personally , but as a community palliative care nurse for 8 years, it is obvious to me how people in disabling situations can manage SO much better, and make better decisions when they feel and are supported by a system that responds to their special needs.

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

  • Ensure support and equipment is available when needed
  • Better access to mainstream support and services
  • More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare
  • People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams
  • Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support
  • Access to reliable information about support options
  • 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.

Disability can occur any time and needs to be accepted as an area supported by the whole community and its Government. I would be happy to pay an annual levy as part of taxes. A functioning Community, Cares and is Inclusive of all its members.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Geraldine Gartland