Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill
2026 Submitted by a person supporting a person with lived experience of disability. My 50-year-old brother who suffers intellectual impairment and high level autism has been on the NDIS scheme since its inception into our area in 2014. Prior to that, he was in a mainstream school for as long as my mother could keep him there which was in line with the prevailing disability philosophy of the time. In fact we have come to suspect he must have suffered severe bullying if not outright abuse, and it is only with the NDIS supports that we have been able to surround our brother with the types of support and services he needs to accept that his limitations are no barrier to him receiving the respect and opportunities the rest of us take for granted. To compound matters, our father died when my brother was a very young child, leaving my mother with four children to raise; she now being an eighty-five year old frail lady forgetful lady challenges looking after our brother increasing In last twelve years changes seen thanks assistance cannot be overstated However how our brother live once elderly mother dies issue major stress fear all especially mother during COVID suffering massive heart attack continues need constant medical attention Despite deep love desire best outcomes none siblings families careers demand time caring brother responsibility none manage without incredible help receives from carers coordination required organise these alone serious job knowing available access first place Since accessing recommended by Support Coordinator marked improvement happiness comfort progress Our significant social communication difficulties but goal remain living family home independently once mother dies This realistic possibility practicalities running household also regards loneliness mental health issues result those suffering isolation
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2128
Ironically, the savings to us as taxpayers from our brother remaining independent will be huge despite the expenses incurred by the NDIS assisting him achieve his goal. Saying this, we completely support changes made to make the NDIS sustainable but some proposed seem instead targeted at those most vulnerable:
- Cutbacks social & community participation - an area that has really supported with allowing living independently into further; Changes coordination component which benefited our family greatly prior appointment Support Coordinator had no concept services nor how access them complexity scheme someone like cannot manage without dedicated role; The introduction iCAN tool determine funding levels secondary school years brother learnt mask disability extent capable fooling casual observer aged now learned vague responses use people think coping fine even misrepresent capabilities fear when asked will claim almost everything ICAN assessment might rate higher level than he actually functioning does not cope change previous amendments resulted daily schedule brother’s emotional outbursts increased alarmingly stress levels did although never physically harmful others these outbursts sharply increase intensity violence frequency Anxiety around electronic plan development human assistance forced rely technology seems robodebt scheme waiting happen again while grateful Australian government its taxpayers providing framework amazing supports cognisant of needed ensure sustainability future generations most vulnerable How required found however issue fervently hope disabled chosen bear brunt.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 2128