Submission to the Inquiry into the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

My name is Kathryn Dobb and I was, up until recently, Head Teacher Special Education with over than 25 years experience working public education students disability including spectrum disorder intellectual disability challenges complex needs additional learning. Throughout career seen many faced bringing child impact this had just all members When scheme introduced witnessed firsthand genuine support offered families positive changes involved Prior schemes overwhelmed isolated struggling manage day basis burning out from lack access vital services interventions such speech occupational therapy as well as social opportunities wider school community write submission deep concern regarding aspects NDIS Amendment Securing future generations potential impact may have vulnerable young people their families Since implementation families been able these therapies supports which turn improved communication skills both at home This allowed many students before relied heavily parents take them activities that were unable do this We had many students started build independence confidence reduced behaviours arsing frustration anxiety isolation meant importantly parents previously employment demands caring children disability workforce contribute economically regain sense identity wellbeing beyond role The benefits appropriate extend far individual participant positively affect schools workplaces mental health systems broader community also deeply concerned about proposals significant reductions plans particularly reports of reduction areas Many non-essential critical preventative maintains mental health connection emotional regulation family functioning For autism other disabilities already issue reducing allows participation in community mentoring programs respite risks pushing further into disengagement As educators know isolation lacking frequently contributes increased anxiety depression; school refusal behavioural escalation breakdown dependence more intensive later life Reducing does not remove need simply shifts burden back onto families often physically emotionally financially exhausted

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

Submission 1407

The families I have worked with are not seeking luxury or unnecessary assistance. Most are simply trying to survive while supporting a child with complex needs. Many parents already juggle full-time caregiving responsibilities; interrupted employment; financial pressure; ongoing advocacy and case management and emotional stress and exhaustion. Without adequate supports, many parents will again be forced to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours. This not only affects household income and mental health but also reduces broader workforce participation at a time when Australia can least afford it. The mental health impact on parents, siblings and carers cannot be understated. In my professional experience, the stress experienced by these families is already immense. Increased uncertainty and fear surrounding future supports is compounding this anxiety. One of the most distressing concerns repeatedly expressed by parents is fear for what will happen to their child when they are no longer alive or capable of providing care themselves. For many families, the NDIS has represented some security and hope for the future. Any erosion of that certainty creates profound distress. I am also concerned that there has not appeared to be sufficient consultation with key stakeholders, including families; carers; educators; disability professionals; allied health providers to disability organisations. Those working directly with children and familes understand practical realities of disabily support and long-term consequences when early intervention and ongoing supports reduced. Meaningful consultion those who live work in space daily essential before implementing changes may significantly alter lives vulnerable Australians.- I respectfully urge Committee consider following recommendations: Ensure any changes participant plans include transparent safeguards independent review mechanisms. Limit discretionary powers allow plans reduce without evidence;consultation appeal processes. Protect funding social community capacity-building supports reducing isolation improving outcomes. Conduct broader consultaon family educators allied health profesioans disabilities organizations before implement major reforms. Recognise long term economic socia benefits adequately supporting children families rather than shifting greater costs onto schools hospitals mental health systems carers later.In conclusion have seen positive effect NDIS had on children familie previously struggling adequate support.While acknowledge importance ensuring longterm sustainability ndis strongly believe reforms must come expense wellbeing dignity inclusion young people disability families care them.The true measure society how it supports most vulnerabl members.I urge the committee carefully consid potential human impact these proposed changessThank you opportunity provide this submission.

Submission 1407

Kathryn Dobb

27 May 2026