From:
To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); s
Subject: sub945 Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Thursday, 17 January 2013 2:28:14 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.
As a disability support worker I witness first hand the difficulties families face in accessing respite hours, equipment and necessary modifications to equipment and support that caters specifically to the needs of the person with the disability. I have watched a number of people in wheelchairs sit in discomfort or with unsupported posture for months or years because of difficulties getting assessments and required modifications that keep pace with the changes in their physical condition. I have been party to not providing meaningful or enjoyable occupation to persons with a disability because staffing levels and program availability aren’t suitable to their needs. I have also worked with children with a disability in schools where little or no effort is made to make the curriculum accessible to them even when resources were available to do this.
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 choose the types of support to use, 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:
Therapy and allied health services, Equipment and home/vehicle modifications, Education support (technology/services/equipment)
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
I see the National Disability Insurance Scheme as a way to enable people with a disability and their families to access some semblance of the lives the rest of us take for granted. I want there to be proper supports tailored to individual requirements that enable all people with disability the opportunity to be physically comfortable, to access education, to be able to communicate their needs and wants, to be able to build on their individual strengths and have their abilities recognised, to be able to realise their full ability potential. I want families to be able to access respite and other services that enable them to maintain their stamina for the often unbearably difficult tasks they face in caring for their family members. It is the least we can do.
I agree for my submission to be made public