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

Submission Number:

To The Senate Inquiry into NDLS Reform

Life After Stroke

Following stroke experienced major changes physical cognitive & emotional wellbeing. Intensive Care coma hospital transitional care months world class medical best specialists Australia begging home relearn daily living skills walk safely speak manage everyday activities most people take granted remind family many times day grateful still here ChatGPT Alexia other technologies limitations took lot trial error practically independent.

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

Submission 2287

The Importance of Support Workers and Community Participation My support workers have assisted in supporting my family to ensure that I can attend appointments, continue my rehabilitation and relearn important daily living skills following my stroke.

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

Submission 2287

what I understand the cost to the community of me being in that type of care would be far higher than the financial support received from participating as an individual under this scheme. These supports aren’t luxuries; rather these form part recovery process mental well-being maintaining independence.

Physiotherapy And Exercise Supports

Physiotherapies exercise-based interventions significantly improved my recovery journey; it has helped:

• improve mobility,
• increase confidence level,
• enhance physical strength coordination reduce decline, support long-term rehabilitation without which I believe gains made over time will diminish. The importance lies not merely on improving physical fitness but also enhancing overall wellbeing including emotional stability. hopefully exercise physiology & rehab continue recognized essential components post-stroke or similar acquired disabilities.

Transport Costs

Transport costs heavily impact funding allocated via NDIS program. For many participants transport is non-negotiable, safe reliable means necessary attending medical appointments therapies rehabilitative sessions and social engagements. is imperative attention given affordable sustainable solutions enabling continued access services without excessive expenditure consuming major portions plans. innovate options allowing gym visits other secure spaces gaining more autonomy ensuring safety return home safely.

Concerns About Reassessments The Proposed Reforms

One concern regarding proposed reforms relates stress uncertainty associated reassessment proving ongoing disability status. almost five years numerous assessments reports reviews lost count while progress in certain areas noted permanent condition continues requiring support indefinitely. worry that focus reducing participant numbers or cutting funds may overlook reality lifelong conditions necessitate continuous care even improvements achieved. carrying heavy burdens parents caring children aging parents tending grown child’s high

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment

Submission:2287 care duties contribute significantly. Maybe there were incorrect participants but paperwork is already submitted on file; reviewing specific cases could save money efficiently especially supporting those affected cognitively who might need NDIS care persons, some providers may bill excessively which seems inefficient due to unclear regulation affecting them directly; much struggle financially below poverty line relying solely Government income support or insurance payments struggling cost living affordable housing medical treatments covered by plans many highly stressful issues demanding urgent attention frequently. stable trusted support workers are crucial recovery confidence long-term wellbeing constant staff changes can be very stress particularly cognitive neurological psychosocial impacts opportunities NDIS more stable ongoing employment arrangements between participants while protecting participant choice control greater protections training workforce stability benefit both parties creating secure sustainable workforce improve quality reduce turnover create savings improving consistency outcomes Communication Participant Wellbeing government provide clearer easier-understand reforms information about NDIS Many participants live with cognitive difficulties mental health challenges fatigue complex systems difficult navigate clear communication reassurance extremely important creativity community participation activities respectful needs not infantilising big groups too much noise difficulty vision memory make certain harder interact people things other guys 30’s like recently got pan drum purchased funding good helping rebuild circuits brain gross fine motor skills really fun without my encouragement try new things worked for me also wood working group bring back old cabinetry Dad still has DJ

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

Submission 2287 decks set up in the garage with the hope one day I can get back into it. Too many buttons to remember at the moment. Participants need confidence they will continue being treated with dignity, fairness & compassion throughout this reform process. I don’t handle bills; others help me but see where some do need budgeting or fighting unfair charges; such a service should be provided through an NDIS community care system as needed about billing concerns. Dealing w/ income support advocacy is massive task many struggle without advocates—matter different letter.

Gratitude for Support Received

Grateful NDIS/Australian healthcare supported my rehabilitation/rebuilding/independence/community reconnection possible otherwise. Believe neuroplasticity supports progress daily creating new neural pathways around brain damage every day. Proud of positive outlook on future acknowledging challenges ahead. Genuinely grateful received so far hoping future reforms protect people living disability while strengthening sustainability sys.

Recommendations

Respectfully ask Committee consider following recommendations:

• Protect ongoing rehab services like physiotherapy/exercise programs participants acquired disabilities.
• Recognize importance comm participation improving mental health, confidance reducing social isolation.
• Improve transport systems ensure costs not disproportionately reduce participant supports.
• Prioritize fraud prevention/provider regulation/administrative efficiency before reducing participant supports.
• Recognize that participants may improve in areas still live permanent disabilities and ongoing needs. Explore reforms to improve workforce stability/continuity employment protections for disability workers maintaining choice flexibility. Improve communication ensuring reforms accessible easier understand by impacted persons know what changes need made their voices heard. Ensure reforms prioritize dignity wellbeing long-term independence.

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

Submission 2287

Thank you for considering my submission and for the opportunity to contribute lived eexperience to this important discussion. Kind regards, redacted