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

Submission 1560

To whom it may concern,

Concerning proposed changes to NDIS funding:

As an experienced Occupational Therapist working since October 3rd year ago primarily on children’s multiple complex diagnoses including ASD, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy & Fragile X Syndrome.

Proposed Funding Reductions:

The following cuts are particularly concerning starting Oct ’26: - A ten percent reduction impacting capacity building daily activity support; • Fifty per cent cut in social/civic/community participation assistance which helps individuals build skills maintaining routines connect with communities participate fully everyday life;

Advocating Children’s Needs:

Children possess greater neuroplasticity enabling them develop into successful contributing societal members if provided early intervention like adults within group homes who share similar goals such as emotional regulation sharing etc., thus saving time money later down road.

Individualized Supports Required:

NDIS must cater uniquely individual needs strengths informal supports learning capabilities each person varies significantly foster care therapy requires direct child involvement due lack of home implementation strategies by caregivers. Complex family situations and multi-diagnosis challenges standardised tools fail adequately address these complexities effectively.

Eligibility Threshold Risks:

Bill shifts away from diagnosis-based access likely raising eligibility thresholds for young kids aged zero eight psychosocially disabled people fluctuating degenerative or complex conditions whose needs aren’t easily captured via standardized assessments. Example: a child I work closely may appear capable on best day yet struggles immensely under demands masking at school, appearing normal but paddling hard beneath surface to avoid overwhelming pressures requiring additional unseen supports.