National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3682
28/5/2026
To whom it may concern
I am writing as a mother to express my deep concern regarding proposed changes to NDIS funding and the devastating impact this could have on my 29-year-old daughter who has Down syndrome, along with the many other extremely vulnerable Australians living with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Like any parent, all I have ever wanted for my daughter is for her to live a safe, meaningful, happy, and inclusive life. Over many years, our family has worked tirelessly to support, encourage, teach, and advocate for her so she can become a valued and active member of her community. Every achievement she reaches has taken patience, support, and determination.
My daughter currently receives NDI$ funding, which plays a vital role in helping her maintain independence, dignity, confidence, and social connection. These supports are not luxuries — they are essential to her everyday life and wellbeing.
Capacity Building supports assist her to:
- Complete shopping independently
- Attend many various medical appointments
- Access her hairdresser, workplaces, and other important services
- Participate in gym and fitness activities for her physical and mental wellbeing
- Build friendships and positive relationships within the community
- Remain socially connected and avoid isolation
- Learn and safely use public transport
- Continue developing confidence and important life skills that promote independence
Within the home, support workers assist her with:
- Kitchen and cooking safety
- Meal preparation
- Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in the home
- Medication management and daily routines
- Developing the skills needed to live as independently and safely as possible
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 3682
Without these supports, her world would become much smaller. Her independence, confidence, safety, and quality of life would be significantly affected. The thought of her becoming isolated, vulnerable, or unable to participate in everyday life is heartbreaking.
People living with disabilities already face many challenges in life. Removing or reducing support does not encourage independence — it risks loneliness, isolation, declining mental health, and increased vulnerability. No parent wants to imagine their child sitting alone within four walls, disconnected from their community and the life they deserve.
Families like ours have fought for many years to ensure people with disabilities are included, respected, visible, and given opportunities to participate in society. We cannot allow that progress to go backwards. Gone are the days when people with disabilities were hidden away and forgotten.
As parents, we spend our entire lives protecting, teaching, supporting, and advocating for our children. But we are also ageing. One of the greatest fears for parents of children with disabilities is wondering what will happen when we are no longer here to care for them ourselves.
The government must recognise that ongoing NDIS support provides families with reassurance that their loved ones will continue to live safely, with dignity, inclusion, purpose, and support long into the future.
The NDIS is not a luxury. For many people, it is the difference between isolation and participation, dependence and independence, surviving and truly living.
I sincerely ask that these concerns be carefully considered when making decisions that affect the lives, dignity, safety, and futures of people living with disabilities and the families who love and care for them every single day.
Kind regards,
Kim Taylor, mother of Ebony Beveridge.