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

Submission 1822

Good afternoon,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding proposed changes to NDIS funding and the impact this could have on my 40-year-old son whom has Downsyndrome and many other vulnerable Australians living with disabilities.

My son currently receives NDIS funding and is transitioning into independent living. Six months ago, we made the decision to purchase him his own unit, and he successfully moved into his home in February 2026. This has been a major milestone in his life and independence.

He is employed under Supported Wage System (SWS) arrangements and works 12 hours per week unsupported. His ability to maintain this independence relies heavily on continued NDIS support funding.

Capacity Building supports are essential in assisting him to:

• Complete shopping independently
• Attend medical appointments
• Access the hairdresser and pharmacy
• Participate in gym and fitness classes for his health and wellbeing
• Build positive relationships within the community
• Remain socially connected
• Learn to safely use public transport

In the home, support workers assist him with:

• Kitchen and cooking safety
• Meal preparation
• Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in the home
• Medication management and daily routines

Without this support, his independence and quality of life would be severely impacted.

I would also like to express serious concerns regarding safety if supports are reduced or removed. P people living with disabilities are extremely vulnerable. Without community access and support, many will become isolated, staring at four walls every day. Would members of government accept living this way for themselves or their loved ones? I do not believe they would.

Families have fought for many years to ensure their children and adults with disabilities are active, included, and respected members of society. We cannot allow this progress to go backwards. Gone are the days when people with disabilities were hidden away behind closed doors.

As parents, we spend our lives protecting, teaching, and advocating for our children. However, we also grow older and eventually need support ourselves. The government must recognise that parents and carers will not be here forever.

The NDIS is not a luxury. For many people, it is the difference between isolation and participation, dependence and independence, surviving and truly living.

I ask that these concerns be seriously considered when making decisions that affect the lives, dignity, safety, and future of people living with disabilities.