NDIA Accountability Project

Brother's challenges accessing living skills support due to limited network

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, 9 January 2013 4:09:30 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.

My older brother has a disability. He has been unable to access a dedicated case worker because he is considered to manage his disability. However, he does need assistance with living skills and he does not have any friends, so therefore he has a limited support network. He has lived with our parents for several years, partially due to his lack of an extended support network. He has enrolled to participate in a course about living skills which is only affordable because he has private health insurance. My parents provide his accommodation and meals which is why he can afford private health insurance. I believe that this is an example of the limitations of the disability system and reflects the lack of cohesive support for people that experience living with a disability.

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:

  • Life-skills,
  • Recreation and community access,
  • Flexible in-home/outside home respite

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I support the NDIS because Australians would benefit from a comprehensive system of disability support services. If we are able to better support people with disability they will be able to access the opportunities that many of us do not appreciate. Also, carers and families will be reassured that their children and loved ones will be supported throughout their lives.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Rebecca Irvine