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

Submission 2059

My name is_, and I am the parent of two children who rely on the NDIS for supports that are essential to their development, wellbeing, and daily functioning.

I am writing this submission not as a policy expert or professional, but as a mother living this reality every single day.

Like many parents of children with additional needs, I spend much of my life advocating, organising appointments, attending therapies, managing emotional and developmental challenges, and trying to ensure my children receive the support they need to thrive. Behind every NDIS plan is a family carrying an enormous mental, emotional, and financial load that often goes unseen.

There have been periods where everyday tasks felt overwhelming. Simple outings, appointments, changes in routine, communication difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and anxiety could turn ordinary moments into exhausting experiences for both our children and our family as a whole.

What many people do not understand is that progress for children with developmental challenges is often measured in moments others may take for granted.

A successful outing without distress. Being able to communicate a need clearly. Participating in activities with other children. Managing emotions more safely. Building confidence and independence over time.

These moments matter enormously to families like ours.

The supports funded through the NDIS have helped create these milestones for our children. Speech therapy, developmental supports, emotional regulation assistance, and community-based supports have not only benefited our children individually, but improved the wellbeing and stability of our entire family.

The NDIS has never felt like a luxury to us. It has felt like a lifeline.

Without these supports, I genuinely worry about what the future would look like for our children. Early intervention and consistent therapeutic support during childhood are critical. Reducing access, increasing barriers, or cutting supports may save money in the short term, but the long-term cost to children, families, education systems, healthcare systems, and communities could be far greater.

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

Submission 2059

Families like ours are already exhausted from fighting for services, gathering evidence, attending reviews, and constantly needing to justify our children’s needs. The uncertainty surrounding proposed reforms is creating significant fear for many parents who are simply trying to do their best for their children.

I respectfully ask decision-makers to listen closely to families with lived experience when considering future changes to the NDIS.

Please protect:

• Early intervention

• Speech and occupational therapy supports

• Developmental supports for children

• Community participation funding

• Flexible supports that recognise the individual needs of children and families

The NDIS has made meaningful and lasting differences in our children’s lives. I hope future reforms strengthen the system while continuing to protect vulnerable children and families who depend on these supports every day.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my family’s experience.

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