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

Submission 1939

I am writing as a disability support worker who works alongside four teenage clients. All clients have significant motor and communication disabilities that affects their mobility, communication, independence and daily life.

Through my work supporting this young people I have seen firsthand both the challenges they face and the positive impact that appropriate NDIS supports can have. Funded supports have allowed these young people to access therapy, participate in the community, attend social activities, and work towards a more sustainable and meaningful future after school.

I have also seen the immense pressure placed on their families, particularly the mothers, who carry a significant caring responsibility every single day. The current proposed changes to the NDIS have already caused enormous stress and uncertainty for these families. They are anxious, exhausted and fearful about what the future may look like if supports are reduced. In my role, I know how essential 1:1 and 2:1 supports can be for a young people with complex physical and communication needs. These supports are not excessive — they are necessary for safety, dignity, communication access and participation in everyday life. They are also critical when training and upskilling new support workers. Due to the nature of disableity support work staff turnover can be high ,and new workers require ongoing guidance and supervision to safely support participants with complex needs .Without appropriate supports in place,families are left trying manage impossible demands onirhe own.Parentsare expectedto coordinate personal care feeding toileting transport therapies medical appointmentsandschool attendance whilealso attempting maintain employmentcareforthe restoftheir family.I am alsodeeply concernedabouttheproposed reduction or removal sosocial ndcommunity suppor ts.Ihave personally supportedtheseyoungpeople attend youth groups birthday parties community activities alongside peers.These arenot “extras”or luxuries.Theyaresential opportunities forsoscial connection inclusion independence wellbeing.Like any teenagertheydeservethe chance spend time friends develop their identity participateintheir communities.Thesesupportsalsoprovidefamiliescarerswithessential respite opportunitymaintainownwellbeing relationshipsIamparticularlyconcerned about proposed changes relatinghowNDIA defines“permanence“disability Requiring families attempt all possible treatments before accessingsupport fails reflect realities faced many people disability especially those living regional Queensland where services may unaffordable unavailable inaccessible. As a support worker I see real world impact these systems policies have on peoples lives Theseproposedchangescreate fear instability uncertainty for who already face significant daily challenges. I urge the Senate Committee carefully consider humanimpact these change will havon peopel with disabilty, carer ,supporth workers and familes particularlythoseliving inregionalcommunities.