NDIA Accountability Project

Difficulty accessing disability funding and respite support

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 2:18:21 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’ve heard stories of people waiting for 8 years for funding and they are still waiting! Feeling like you have to be very creative and general to get any money for support because their is no flexibility within the system. Prevents people from tuly directing their own lives by setting limits on what can and can’t be achieved.

As an example Ballet classes could be used as respite when other family money goes into purchasing assistance or equipment however I’ve heard that that is not an “acceptable” way to sepnd respite money??

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

  • Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
  • The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
  • Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Equipment and home/vehicle modifications,
  • Flexible in-home/outside home respite,
  • Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Currently people have to claim worst case scenarios to put in their plan in the hope that they will receive funding - makes them feel like they are begging, hower due to their circumstances they need our assistance. We live in a country that acknowledges disability and strives to offer the support required. Lets not make people tell their stories countless times. Lets not pay for a percentage of the equipment they require - which if they didnt have a disabilty they would not need to purchase - lets pay for all of it, lets ensure that we really mean it when we say self directed.

If we can just accomplish some of the above we will be on our way - lets hope the NDIS does all of the above for ALL AUSTRALIANS who require extra support just to get out of bed!!

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mrs Kim Maloney