National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 2349
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
My son , age 36, is intellectually impaired and autistic. My husband and I are both in our mid 60’s and lives with us at home.
I write with concern about social and community supports for my son being reduced or removed.
depends on the NDIS to give him access to the community. He loves to go weekly to the local Special Olympics sports practice in the neighbourhood and go to the gym. Because is not conversational, sport gives him a sense of belonging and is essential to his self-esteem. He also feels very attached to his support workers and looks forward to seeing them. Sometimes support workers take him on long walks and may take him on train trips for short distances, which he really loves.
cannot safely cross the street without guidance because he does not have the capacity to understand speed and distance of cars. He finds it very diOicult to make simple decisions for his safety and the safety of others. He needs to be guided in public places, so he does not bump into people or try to converse with children he does not know. I find it diOicult to take to the grocery store, because he will jump up and down, use a loud voice, say inappropriate things, and make other people around him nervous. Basically, every time I take out for a walk, or shopping, or to the gym, I am on duty.
His grandparents, now in their mid 80’s, used to be able to help with some of the social and community engagement before the NDIS. Now this is not possible anymore because they have their own mobility and health concerns and they themselves sometimes require our attention and care. My husband and I cannot meet all of ’s social and exercise needs, and although we care for him in many ways, we know we are increasingly more challenged because of our own age and waning energy. Social and community support is therefore a vital aspect of his NDIS funding.
Thank you for your consideration.