From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Thursday, 17 January 2013 3:57:48 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 pensioner I find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. After I pay my bills for the fortnight, I usually have only $150 left for the fortnight to pay for meals, care for my Cat (who keeps me positive and provides comfort and companionship) pay for transport to appointments, medicines and life necessities like clothing, and comforts. There is no opportunity to save for new items or “a rainy day”
I am required to attend “interviews” every 3 months, a stressful experience where I am forced to explain my condition again, to a new person, and explain why I am unable to work. Stress aggravates my condition, and I am often not well enough to leave the house. This knowledge is ignored.
My mother is my (non-centrelink recognised) primary carer, she has been offered no assistance/training/support, despite being in attendance at every interview with centrelink I have ever been to.
I currently live in accommodation which is beyond my means, thankfully due to the incredible generosity of my family, it is subsidised so that I am not forced into a share house situation which has in the past proven highly unsuitable. However, my parents are aging, and when they are not there to care for, provide for and generally ensure my safety and happiness, what happens to me?
I’m 26. There is no future for me under the current scheme.
The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:
People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams, People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered, 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:
Support for families and carers, Accommodation options, Crisis and emergency support
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
The current system does not work. Hopefully a system that gives people with a disability and their families a voice will be more successful.
I agree for my submission to be made public