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, 28 December 2012 8:42:31 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 beautiful 10 year old son has been diagnosed with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyspraxia along with anxiety as a by-product of the daily struggles he has to overcome. I gave up full time employment and put our family in a vulnerable financial position to be able to take him to the 3 to 4 appointments he has each week that are associated with his disabilities. These necessary medical and health appointments are funded privately by us with a minuscule amount being c claimable through medicare. I also retrained as an Education Assistant to help him in school as his conditions do not attract any in school funding at a state or federal level. As he moves up in the schooling years, he struggles more and more to function in a classroom without spcialised assistance and accommodations such as electronic aides. Unfortunately, these conditions are not recognised disabilities under the current health scheme but I assure you they can be as debugating as many other currently recognised dis abilities. Please consider including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyspraxia as recognised disabilities under the NDIS and bring Australia into line with many other 1st world countries that provide appropriate assistance to sufferers of these disabilities.

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

• Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
• Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family,
• Removal of age barriers to services for children

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Therapy and allied health services,
• Education support (technology/services/equipment),
• Support for families and carers

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I support the National Disability Insurance Scheme because the current system is too exclusive and takes a blanket approach to those few that fit the rigid criteria. This is our Nation’s chance to right a wrong and provide the citizens of Australia that have disabilities with the appropriate care and services they need to live a life filled with endless possibilities and opportunities not constant red tape limitations and exclusions.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Lisa Horne