From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Thursday, 17 January 2013 10:58:19 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 close friend severe cerebral palsy and he has had to wait lengthy periods for vital equipment he needs, such as his current electric wheelchair and also he was initially going to have to come up with the money for the chair himself (over $20,000). Thankfully, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation eventually provided the funds for him. also requires 24 hour care and it is often difficult to get suitable, qualified people to look after him. Because of this, he has suffered neglect and even abuse at times by those in charge of caring for him.
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, The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person
The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:
Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Recreation and community access, Accommodation options
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
This service is long overdue and crucial to people with disabilities. The wider community often see people with disabilities as lesser beings, but they are human beings with rights and needs like the rest of us. I believe the question we need to ask ourselves is how would we want to be supported by the community if we were in their shoes.
I agree for my submission to be made public