NDIA Accountability Project

Inequitable system and high service provider fees for people with disabilities

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 10:24:51 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.

I find the current system inequitable for people who are unable to advocate for themselves or their family member as they don’t understand the current system.

People with a disability are being taken advantage of in country areas as there is not enough competition allowing service providers to charge ridiculously high fees. e.g. an accommodation provider charges 70% of a person’s income (that includes mobility allowance, pharmaceutical allowance etc) even though they do not pay for the person’s taxi’s or medication.

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

  • People with a disability can choose the types of support to use,
  • More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
  • 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:

  • Employment support,
  • Accommodation options,
  • Crisis and emergency support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Hopefully people with a disability and their families will be in the drivers seat - directing their supports when they need them. This will become a reality with the NDIS.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

MRS Cindy Howard