Submission 1425

                   National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 13

    Submission for the NDIS Senate Amendment (Securing the NDIS for
                         future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1425

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 13

My name is . I am a late-diagnosed autistic woman, former mental health nurse, and single mother of two neurodivergent children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2, with additional complex support needs including ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, and learning disabilities. I homeschool my children to meet their educational and support needs.

I strongly oppose the proposed NDIS changes, particularly:

• The proposed 50% reduction to social and community participation funding from October 2026,
• Changes that undermine self-management and require workers to become registered providers,
• And the proposed powers under section 34A allowing funding changes or reductions without adequate appeal mechanisms.

The NDIS has been critical to building my children’s capacity. These supports develop the functional, emotional, and social skills required for long-term independence and meaningful participation in the community. My eldest daughter was identified as developmentally different at age three but did not receive an ASD Level 2 diagnosis until three years later. Like many families, we experienced lengthy delays, extensive assessments, and significant financial costs before accessing support. Her disability impacts daily functioning across emotional regulation, executive functioning, learning, and social participation. Her greatest challenge has consistently been social capacity - engaging with peers, tolerating group environments, and maintaining friendships.

Social and community participation funding has directly improved her independence and functioning. Through structured support in real-world settings, she has developed skills in self-advocacy, emotional regulation, community access, and social interaction. The long-term goal for both of my children is increased independence and reduced reliance on disability supports in adulthood. That outcome is only achievable through early and consistent capacity-building supports, including social and community participation, throughout childhood.

I strongly oppose the proposed 50% reduction to social and community participation funding.

For many autistic participants, community participation is essential for developing practical life skills, communication, emotional regulation, public safety skills, and the ability to safely function within their social environment. Reducing these supports will increase social isolation, family burnout, mental health deterioration, and long-term support needs.

The proposal also fails to recognise that disability presentations vary significantly, even within the same diagnosis. Both of my children are diagnosed with ASD Level 2, yet their support needs differ substantially in both approach and implementation. Standardised assessment models risk excluding participants whose needs do not fit rigid criteria and fail to support individuals according to their communication needs, functional capacity, and cognitive profile. Furthermore, the absence of clear detail regarding aspects of the proposed reforms creates unnecessary uncertainty for participants and families and increases the risk of inappropriate decision-making and harmful outcomes.

I also oppose changes that undermine self-management or require support workers to become registered providers.

Self-management allows families to choose workers who are safe, flexible, experienced, and appropriate for their child’s needs. Many autistic children rely heavily on consistency and trusted

Submission 1425

​​National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 13​

relationships. It allows the flexibility to choose independent workers suited to the participant, without​ lengthy weight times for intervention.

Independent support workers are essential for many families. Increased registration requirements risk​ reducing workforce availability, increasing costs, and removing participant choice and control;​ principles the NDIS was originally built upon.

Finally, I strongly oppose the proposed powers under section 34A that allow funding​ reductions or changes without adequate review or appeal rights.

Disability support decisions must remain transparent and reviewable. Participants should have the​ right to provide evidence, understand decisions affecting their supports, and access independent​ appeal processes. As participant needs and capacity change over time, supports and funding should​ be adjusted collaboratively to ensure funding is used effectively and appropriately while remaining​ aligned with participant goals. Removing these safeguards creates instability and places vulnerable​ participants at risk of losing essential supports without procedural fairness.

The NDIS was designed around equity, individualised support, and community participation. These​ proposed changes move away from those principles and risk causing significant long-term harm to​ disabled Australians and their families. I urge the Government to meaningfully consult with disabled​ Australians, carers, and families, including through submissions such as this one, before​ implementing reforms that risk reducing support, increasing isolation, and creating greater long-term​ social and economic costs.

I do not support the proposed changes to the NDIS that reduce social and community​ participation funding, undermine self-management, or increase reliance on standardised​ asessment models. I believe these reforms risk causing significant harm to vulnerable​ Australians and undermine the core purpose of the NDIS: enabling people with disability to​ live meaningful, connected, and dignified lives within their communities.

These supports, together with the ongoing support of their carers, have given my children the​ opportunity to build meaningful and enriching lives with greater independence and community​ participation. I am deeply grateful for the support provided through the NDIS and hope these supports​ remain appropriately funded and accessible to families like mine.

Thank you for reading.

Kind regards