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 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, emotiona1and financial load that often goes unseen. There have been periods where everyday tasks felt overwhelming.Simple outings, appointments changes routine communication difficulties emotionaldysregulation,and anxietycould turn ordinary moments into exhausting experiencesfor both ourchildren anda ndourfamilyasa whole. What manypeople do no t understandis th at progressf orc hildrenwith developmentalchallenges ist o ften measured in momentsothers may take forg ranted. A successful outing without distress. Being ableto communicateaneedclearly. participatinginactivitieswit hothe rc hild ren.Managing emotions more safely.Building confidence andre dependence over time.These moments matter enormously ton families like ours.The supports funded through then DIShave helped create these milestones for our ch ildr en.Speech therapy ,developmentalsuppo ts,e motional regulation assistance,a n dcommunity-basedsupports hav e not only benefited ou r childre nin dividually,b ut improvedthewellbeingands ta bilityofou re ntire fami ly.T heN D IS has neverfeltlike aluxuryton us.Ithasfe ltlikelifeline.W ithoutthesupports, I genuinely worry about what the future would look lik ef or our children.Earli intervention and consistent therapeutic support during childhood are critical.Reducing access,increasing barriers,o ric ting suppor s may save money int eh short term butthelong-term cost to c hildren,f amilies, education systems,h elalthcare sys temsand 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 recognize 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.