Submission 2759
Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry
Subject: National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Name:
Location:
Date: 30 May 2026
Submission Type: Individual
- Overview I am making this submission as a person living with a permanent physical and neurological disability (Spina Bifida Meningocele). I am also making this submission as a 2nd Generation Immigrant, who applied to the NDIS in 2025 and who is yet to receive adequate funding for my condition, after appealing to both the NDIS and the ART.
My condition greatly impacts my physical independence, and I rely on disability support to pay for intermittent catheters, which would otherwise cost me $7000 per year, and without which, I would be unable to pass urine.
- Personal Circumstances My disability affects the following areas of daily life:
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Intermittent catheterisation without high quality catheters has led to significant and painful Urinary Tract Infections.
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I face bladder leakage, greatly impacting my ability to engage with my in-person tertiary education and employment, as well as things like physical activity and exercise
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I require specialised insoles to offset the difference in the size of my legs
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I experience consistent psychological stress around my symptoms, affecting emotional regulation and relationships
Like many other people in the disabled community, my family background is Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD). This group is severely underrepresented and underfunded due to the current demands of the NDIS application process. I believe that further restrictions will disproportionately affect this already disadvantaged community.
- Treatment History
Submission 2759
I have participated in consistent treatment and medical observations. These include EMDR and CB Therapy, and daily doses of Betmiga, Hiprex and Sertraline (all paid out of pocket). I received a surgery at birth and at 6 months of age, and have been observed by a neurogenic physiologist, as well as other specialists at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Transitioning to adulthood, I’ve seen minimal specialists, due to financial constraints. Despite this lifelong engagement:
- My condition remains significantly impairing
- There has been little to no improvement in my physical symptoms
- I still require the use of catheters
- Support Needs I require appropriate support for my condition. These include:
- Access to intermittent catheters,
- Access to insoles
- Access to relevant specialists (Urology)
- Concerns Regarding NDIS Policy changes I am concerned that the proposed changes to the NDIS will:
- Further restrict access for those from CALD backgrounds
- Emphasise treatment without nuanced assessment of benefit
- Demand adherence to criteria that does not account for complex and interconnected symptoms
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Recommendations
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Base eligibility and support on functional capacity, not expected recovery
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Allow clearer pathways for CALD applications and treatment
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Provide the disabled community of Australia with care and the means to maintain their dignity
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Conclusion My disability is permanent and of significant impact to my social, financial and physical independence.
The reduction of access will destabilise Australia’s current healthcare system, and exacerbate physical and psychological symptoms across the disabled community. These symptoms will put further strain on the medical system in the long term, if not properly addressed.
Submission 2759
When shaping NDIS policy, I urge the government to consider how their actions will directly impact the bodies, minds and lives of Australians with disabilities.