NDIA Accountability Project

Challenges securing accommodation for son with Down syndrome and autism

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: Wednesday, 2 January 2013 10:12:57 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 are still trying to get our son Jason into permanent accommodation services after 2 years in a temporary placement because DS will not give him funding after applying more than 5 years ago. We had to relinquish care 4 years ago due to funding for care issues and at the moment trying to get the minister’s attention to help our son. We are working with the local member, the department’s hands are tied and it is a never ending circle of frustration. Our son is loosing his social skills and he cannot understand why he cannot live near his family. He has down syndrome and autism and challenging behaviours. Seems he is getting put into the too hard basket and it is not fair when you look at the 10 disability standards and hardly any of them are being met at the moment. If our son is denied funding again we will be going to Current Affair but we hope our local member can help!

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

  • More opportunities to participate in the community,
  • People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
  • 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,
  • Positive behaviour support and psychological services.

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

It would be a more fair and equitable way to approach the problems we are currently facing with the Disability Services in Queensland. As a parent DS needs a more transparent and honest approach to people’s needs and supporting the family unit.

I agree for my submission to be made public.

Regards,\nMrs Maree Young