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: Tuesday, 1 January 2013 11:56:21 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.
We have daughter who has just left school. She was granted a TTW program which was not appropriate. We appealed and she was granted CP. (weeks of uncertainty as we waited) We have notbeen able to accept a place with the most appropriate service provider as it was too expensive to transport her there each day by taxi, and both parents need to work. Most service providers do not provide transport. In addition, the service hours are 9am-3pm. It is as if you are returning to the regime of pre-school service provisions. Life never gets any easier! In addition to this, I am the guardian to my 57yrold brother, who has an intellectual disability and uncontrolled epilepsy as a result of birth trauma. As he ages ( he is now in a group home), his hospital admissions are increasing, and this requires me to attend hospital with him, which places strains on an already strained life. Adequate staffing at his group home would decrease the reliance of me attending him in hospital to the extent now needed, as hopefully staff from his group home could be with him. ( he is unable to assist medical staff with his care, and a carer who knows him would be invaluable). As I age, I need to have certainty that my daughter’s and brother’s needs will be met. I don’t want to pass on this life long burden to my sons. Everyone deserves a fullfilling life. PLease ensure we move towards this.
The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:
- People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
- Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family, 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,
- Flexible in-home/outside home respite,
- Case management, planning and coordination
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
It is a human rights issue, long overlooked because family members have taken the place of providing what a just and wealthy country such as ours can and should provide. Let us lead the way in showing how a just community cares for all of its members. And, I am tired!! Please et cares know there is an end in sight. Let our fellow disabled Australians know we care about them. (who knows what life sends our way…it could be ourselves we are helping!)
I agree for my submission to be made public
Regards,
Miss wendy howard