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: Thursday, 17 January 2013 9:39:33 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.

As a Registered Nurse working in the community, I see people with disabilities stuggling on a daily basis. Often they have to go without things that most of us take for granted, and still don’t get the proper care that they require. There is not enough funding available for respite, nursing and personal care, equipment, wound dressings, continence aids. I see people with mobility issues develop pressure sores because they do not have the appropriate bed or wheelchair, and these sores may take ages to heal as they cannot afford to purchase the appropriate wound care supplies which are extremely expensive.

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, 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:

• Therapy and allied health services, Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, In-home care and domestic assistance

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I am so sick of seeing disabled people in the community living in poverty, unable to afford services which they desperately need. I believe they are being discriminated against by not being able to access services that able bodied citizens take for granted. Time and time again I have seen disabled people in the community have to make a choice between buying food or receiving care. The NDIS is essential for disabled people to have the same rights and the same care as able-bodied people.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Debra Gilbertson