From:
To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); a
Subject: sub908Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Thursday, 17 January 2013 1:08:38 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.
On the whole my experiences of the Disability Services Sector reflect many of the findings of the “Shut Out Report”.
As a worker supporting and advocating for improved service systems, support systems, social connection, attitude change etc.. what is key is holding on to respect for each other and working individually and collectively to change broad negative community attitudes to disability.
The operational side of the service system can and must be improved. For those in the community who require specialised suport and services - the taxes we pay and money from such industries as the mining and banking industries need to be used to assist with service improvement so for example a young person requiring a new wheel chair is not waiting for two years and their family are significantly out of pocket.
Currently the needs for existing members of our community are requiring radical change, but also significantly the New arrivals to our community who often have no or little contact with the current services on offer. Also the significant need to build support capacity and culturally appropriate as well as main stream capacity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community is massively required. The proposed NDIS must improve the Disability system for an improved and equitable society for all Australians. The system must provide choice but must adhere to high quality consistent service when required.
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, People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered
The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:
Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Employment support, Support for families and carers, Accommodation options
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
Currently it is unclear as to the outcomes from the trial models of the scheme. Simply if the scheme which will inevitably not work for all - If it makes a significant improvement to the life and quality of life a person with a disability can have, and provides support to families and carers and pathways for people to lead full and meaningful lives as individuals and a community I would support it.
I agree for my submission to be made public