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: Monday, 7 January 2013 6:49:57 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.
It is fragmented and disjointed. An example of this is our experinece with DADHC and FACSIA funding. We received support from FACSIA up until the time we received FACSIA funding. We have to find private therapists to continue our son’s treatment, and all the knowledge gained by the DADHC professionals by my sons condition and treamtent was lost.
It is inadequate - long waiting lists - still waiting to see a dietition after 12 months.
Schooling - limited opportunities in education.
The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:
- Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
- More opportunities to participate in the community,
- People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams
The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:
- Therapy and allied health services,
- Education support (technology/services/equipment),
- In-home care and domestic assistance
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
Currently, support for people with a disability is inadequate. My son has a neurological disorder, and his disability is severe enough for him to receive some support from DADHC. However, his future is uncertain, as under the current system, the following will occur:
- Therapeudic support will cease at the age of 6,
- he will need to go to a special school outside of his local area, as his local school will not accept a child with his disability. This will isolate him from his local community.
- as he gets older and needs more complex support - only limited respite care will be available, placing a significant strain on his family.
- Limited job and training opportunities as he reaches adulthood.
- Limited accommodation options, with long waiting lists for accommodation which may not be suitable.
- Vulnerable to abuse, and exploitation. Statistically, my son will be more than 3 times more likely to suffer from abuse thna a typical person.
I agree for my submission to be made public
Regards,
Mr Sean Rapley