NDIA Accountability Project

Sister's multiple disabilities and carer’s mental health challenges

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, 14 January 2013 9:18:52 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.

My sister for whom I have Enduring Power of Attorney is an Aged Carer (68)for her daughter who is 32 (for whom I am also the appointed Guardian) Her daughter has multiple disabilities and my sister also has a mental health problem which periodly disprupts their life. I have had to move my sister and neice to our ural town) previously she lived in a Melbourne suburb receiving uncoordinated and inadequate care from distinct and separate providers. Long distance caring just did not work! Fortunately I have worked in the disability and aged care sectors. Without this knowledge I would not be able to carry out my caring role to both of them. I can navigate the system (albeit with difficulty)but how on earth does a person without this knowledge naviagate the complicated system of service providers that exists in Victoria! Case management is often just brokered funding- not case management in its purest sense.

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,
  • Minimising the number of times people have to tell their story in order to get support, 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:

  • Support for families and carers,
  • Case management,
  • Planning and coordination,
  • Crisis and emergency support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I am hopeful that the NDIS will make thye system uniform and streamlined and accessible for all. Throughout Australia the system will be the same. Funding will be uniform. Disability rights will be uniform. To receive streamlined care a person will not have to move to where the care can be coordinated as has been the case for my sister.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Sandra Kelly