Submission 2173

Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the

NDIS Amendment Bill (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations)

Introduction

My name is , and I am both an NDIS participant and a disability support worker.

I am autistic and have been an NDIS participant for approximately five to six years. I have also worked as a disability support worker for the past year, supporting people with disabilities including autism and multiple sclerosis.

As both a participant and a worker in the sector, I have seen firsthand how important NDIS supports are in helping people maintain independence, participate in their communities, maintain employment, and live with dignity. I am concerned about several proposed changes within the NDIS Amendment Bill and the potential impact these changes may have on both participants and their families.

Concerns Regarding Social and Community Participation Supports

One of my greatest concerns is the potential reduction or restriction of funding for social and community participation supports.

My own support worker assists me with social participation, daily living tasks, and developing the skills needed to navigate social situations. These supports have

Submission 2173

significantly increased my independence and confidence. They have helped me advocate for myself more effectively and engage more successfully in employment and community life.

Without these supports, I would be at greater risk of social isolation and would struggle to manage situations that many people take for granted. While social participation funding is sometimes viewed as optional, for many autistic people it is a vital support that enables us to participate in society on a more equal basis.

Concerns About Changes to “Reasonable and Necessary” Supports

I am concerned that changes to the definition of “reasonable and necessary” supports could make it more difficult for participants to access the supports they genuinely need.

From my experience, disability support is not simply about meeting basic physical needs. Many supports prevent larger problems from developing. Supports that help with communication, social understanding, advocacy, emotional wellbeing, and community participation often reduce the need for more intensive interventions later.

If these supports become harder to access, participants may appear to be coping initially, but their wellbeing, employment, mental health, and independence may gradually decline.

Increased Expectations on Families and Unpaid Carers

Submission 2173

I am particularly concerned about any changes that place greater expectations on families and informal supports.

When I have experienced gaps in my plan or insufficient support, the burden has shifted onto family members and other informal supports. This created significant stress for everyone involved and contributed to a decline in mental health.

If NDIS supports are reduced, the reality is that the need for support does not disappear. Instead, that responsibility is transferred to family members and friends who may already be under pressure themselves.

In my own experience, increased reliance on informal supports can create strain in relationships and leave participants feeling like a burden. This can have serious impacts on mental health, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.

Submission 2173

Participants should not be placed in a position where they must continually prove that they have tried enough interventions before receiving the supports they need to live independently and participate in society.

Why These Supports Matter

One thing I would like the Committee to understand is that the NDIS can already be extremely difficult for people with disabilities to navigate.

Many participants rely heavily on support workers, family members, advocates, and professionals to understand the system and access the supports they need.

When participants appear to be doing well, it is often because their supports are working. Success should not be interpreted as evidence that supports are no longer needed.

In my own life, NDIS supports have helped me maintain employment and navigate difficult workplace situations. There have been times when I needed assistance advocating for myself with my employer and understanding the most appropriate way to communicate in challenging social situations. These supports helped me remain employed and maintain positive workplace relationships.

Without those supports, my employment and mental health could have been significantly affected.

As a disability support worker, I also see the positive impact these supports have on the people I work with. Many participants are able to live more independently and

Submission 2173

participate more fully in their communities because of the assistance they receive through the NDIS.

Recommendations

I respectfully recommend that the Committee:

• Protect funding for social and community participation supports and recognise their role in maintaining independence, mental health, and employment.
• Ensure any changes to the definition of “reasonable and necessary” supports do not reduce access to supports that prevent deterioration and promote participation.
• Avoid increasing reliance on families and unpaid carers as a substitute for funded disability supports.
• Ensure participants are not required to exhaust every possible treatment option before accessing necessary disability supports.
• Recognise that successful outcomes often demonstrate that supports are working and should not be used as justification for reducing support.
• Continue meaningful consultation with people with disability and those with lived experience before implementing significant changes to the NDIS.

Conclusion

The NDIS has played an important role in helping me live more independently, maintain employment, advocate for myself, and participate in my community. As both an NDIS participant and a disability support worker, I am concerned that some of the proposed changes may unintentionally

Submission 2173

reduce support for people who rely on these services every day.

I ask the Committee to carefully consider the real-life impact these changes could have on participants, families, and carers. Disability does not disappear when support is removed. Instead, the burden is often shifted onto individuals and families, with significant consequences for mental health, independence, employment, and quality of life.

Thank you for considering my submission.