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

Submission 2351

Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee

NDIS Future Generations Bill 2026

My name is and I provide capacity building supports as a Speech Pathologist to NDIS participants. My work allows me glimpses into the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and their support providers.

With regards to the changes proposed in this Bill, there are significant risks for people with disabilities and their families. It is vital that people with disabilities and their families are able to have a say in identifying their needs and how these needs are met. Community access is also vitally important as this allows people with disabilities to be present and participate in their own communities. This allows for developing social and communication skills, contributing to one’s own community, and developing relationships which are essential for mental health. The opportunity to and the skills needed to access and participate in the community is something that most people without disabilities take for granted. By contrast, the barriers faced by people with disabilities can impact on a range of skills that impact on community access including mobility, physical skills, communication and social skills.

Community access with support providers often assists with allowing for additional opportunities to develop skills and build relationships. It also provides families with much needed respite. It is essential that people with disabilities and their families trust and are able to build a relationship with support staff assisting in their care. Previous experiences and inquiries have shown that people with disabilities are at an increased risk of abuse and therefore it is extremely important that people with disabilities have access to quality care and support are that they and their families are actively involved in choosing who provides care for them.

Some of the people I work with have multiple disabilities (e.g., physical, communication, visual) and it is vital that people have access to a range of supports to meet their needs. Often the needs people have are variable across time. For example, for some clients their ability to walk may vary from sometimes being able to walk independently and on other days requiring a wheelchair. It is essential that participants’ plans allow for flexibility in order to access the supports they require when their needs and abilities fluctuate. It is also important for participants to have flexibility within their funding packages to purchase needed equipment as their skills and needs change.

Thank you for taking into consideration these comments and requests. The NDIS has provided for many people to access capacity building supports and to access their community with appropriate supports. It has allowed for people to access opportunities and develop skills that many people without disabilities take for granted. Please ensure that

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

Submission 2351

these supports are not withdrawn or decreased substantially as this will have ongoing and negative impacts for many people with disabilities, their families, communities and people who work alongside them.

Kind regards

BSpPath (Hons), CPSP