Concerns regarding reduction to community participation funding for daughter with severe autism (Family or carer experience)

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1163

To the Senate Community Affairs Committee

My name is and I live in South Australia. I am writing as the parent and full-time carer of my 14-year-old daughter L, who has severe autism and significant support needs.

I am very concerned about the proposed 50% reduction to social and community participation funding in the NDIS Future Generations Bill 2026. I am asking you to oppose these cuts and advocate for protections for participants who rely on 1:1 community participation supports.

For my daughter, community participation is not recreation or a luxury. Due to her severe autism, communication barriers, emotional regulation difficulties, and safety risks, she requires 1:1 support to safely access the community. These supports help prevent isolation, distress, behavioural escalation, and carer burnout. Without appropriate support, accessing the community safely becomes extremely difficult both for L and for our family.

L’s supports are essential for her wellbeing, routine, development, and inclusion in everyday life. Reducing these supports would not reduce her needs — it would simply shift the pressure onto families already under significant strain and increase the risk of crisis situations.

I ask that you:

• oppose the proposed reduction to community participation funding, • advocate for the protection of 1:1 supports for participants with high support needs, • and provide me with your position on this issue and the Bill.

Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns. I would appreciate a response outlining your position on these proposed changes.

Kind regards, CH