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

Submission: Submission 2233

Senate Submission

NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Due Date Friday May 19th,

About Me:

My name is Paul O’Donnell. I live Evatt ACT with Cri du Chat syndrome.I am unable to read/write so my parent/guardian(Vince O’donnel)is writing on behalf of me as he has been doing this since leaving school over twenty years ago.Their story/experience with the NDIS plan helps them live independently in their home owned jointly by themselves and parents.My NDIS plan allows me to be a member of team where they make contributions towards community while interacting others when first diagnosed with cri du chat syndrome.my parents were told that i would not walk or talk,likely have significant health issues,and uneducable thanks very supportive family early intervention available at time through school(I had teachers aide assigned to me). I was able attend mainstream school year thirteen although still cannot read write developed other skills enabling productive life.NDIS also means can live independent undertake physical/sporting/social activities which provide socialisation and fitness.##### What My NDIS Support Means To Me:The support from NDIS allow work supported employment LEAD Disability garden maintenance team type done since left school over two decades ago.Being part important team makes contribution toward community interaction others When first diagnosecri duchat syndrome Parents told wouldwalktalk likelyhave significant health issues un-educatable Thanksverysupportivefamilyearlyinterventionavailableat timethroughschoolIhadteachersaideassigned tomeiwasableattendmainstreamthroughyear13.Althoughstillcannotreadwriteidvelopedotherskillsenablingproductivelife.

The NDIsalso meanslivelivindependentlyundertakephysicalsportingsocialactivitieswhichprovidesocialisationsandfitness.

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

Submission 2233

My day program / my activities

• Monday-Friday: Work begins at 7 am when one Support Worker drops you off after packing lunch.
  • After work: Catch bus back around 2:30 pm,
    • Evening: Have dinner cooked with assistance; minimum engagement is about two hours per evening.*
      • Tuesday’s: Take care taxi to Special Olympics basketball training then pick up afterwards*
      • Saturday morning:* Play in tenpin bowling league; catch another ’care’taxi there before picking up your lunch & taking projects at Mens Shed.
      • Sunday evenings:* Dinner often shared nearby aging parents, but need a worker if they’re away.
        • Sunday lunchtime:* Recreational/community activity help provided until late afternoon or early evening.
        • If funding cut,* reduce activities as it impacts physical and mental health significantly.

My support workers:

My support workers are employed through “Limitless Strategies” who have done great job finding suitable ones. They know how I communicate safely which took time to find right mix of them.“If funding was reduced,” might not be able keep these workers due to their importance for safety needs.

I moved into my house over five years ago where independence and responsibility thrive without adequate NDIS support would make continuing difficult and future uncertain.

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

Submission 2233

When developing each of my NDIS plans over the years we (with the help of my support coordinator/plan manager and my parents) have always kept the request for support to what is minimal but essential.

What I want

I am asking the Senate Committee to:

• Not cut my social and community participation funding.
• Make sure I can keep going to my supported employment and community activities.
• Listen to people with Cri du Chat syndrome when making decisions about the NDINIS.

I am now 41 years old and although I have three sisters and an extended family they all live interstate and are unable to assist my parents in supporting me. At present I am reasonably good health and hope I can continue to maintain good health in coming years As my parents age will rely more on continued support provided by the NDIS.