National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1279
Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
I am writing as the grandmother of an 11-year-old disabled child with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 3 and high support needs.
I am deeply concerned about the proposed changes to the NDIS, particularly any reduction to social and community participation supports. For my grandchild, these supports are not optional extras. They are essential supports that help keep him safe, connected and able to participate in the community.
My grandchild cannot safely attend community activities, autism-specific programs or everyday outings without a parent or trained support worker. He experiences significant sensory dysregulation, communication difficulties, emotional overwhelm and safety risks. Many outings require two adults to safely support one child.
He is already socially isolated because full-time Distance Education became necessary after mainstream schooling was no longer safe or sustainable. I understand education is not the responsibility of the NDIS. However, when a child is learning from home, supported community participation becomes one of the few safe ways to build social confidence, independence and connection outside the home.
I have seen the enormous impact on my family. His parents provide the overwhelming majority of care themselves, including supervision, co-regulation, therapy integration, personal care, sensory support and community safety. The support worker hours they fought for are modest and do not replace parental responsibility. They allow my grandchild to practise skills safely in the real world and give the family some chance to keep functioning.
I am concerned that broad cuts, funding caps or one-off assessments may not reflect the real needs of children like my grandchild. His capacity can change depending on sensory load, sleep, distress, environment and whether he is with familiar people. Decisions should rely on evidence from treating professionals and those who know the child over time.
I ask the Committee to protect social and community participation supports, preserve individualised planning, and ensure children with significant disability are not made more isolated by changes intended to make the Scheme sustainable.
This is not about luxury or convenience. It is about safety, dignity, family sustainability and the right of disabled children to remain connected to their community.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Wentworth electorate