From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Thursday, 17 January 2013 11:52:58 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 an occupational therapist, I see the frustration and confusion caused by clients trying to access Victoria’s Aids and Equipment program.There are multiple forms to be completed and if any step is missed, the process stops. Private hospitals rarely plan well for the patient at home, as patients are desperate to go home and are not assessed well, then have to join the community health therapy waitlist…usually at least 6 weeks, when the client is at their weakest and most likely to need re-admission. Having experience in Paediatrics, I see children with abilities at school when their wheelchair fits. As they grow, the wheelchair and seating needs change, but the system is complex and there is a cap on the frequency of replacing this equipment. Some parents have the persistance and street smart to get disability aids , home support and respite, but for many, these require multiple repetitive and intrusive interviews, which they are just too exhausted to co-ordinate, so they jut struggle on.
The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:
Ensure support and equipment is available when needed, People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams, 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:
Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Flexible in-home/outside home respite, Crisis and emergency support
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
It offers hope that carers and people with a disability will have a better life and the opportunity to achieve their best educational,recreational and employment outcomes.
Where random chance affects a person’s abilities, a caring community should support them, rather than only those who have insurance, such as Workcover, being helped.
I agree for my submission to be made public