Dear Senators,

My name is redacted. I am 62 years old and live with multiple disabilities and complex health conditions. I am an NDIS participant due to Agoraphobia, Major Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder and Osteoarthritis. I also live with significant physical health conditions including heart and lung disease, multi-organ failure, torticollis affecting my neck, a back injury, and lymphoedema.

I am writing because I am deeply concerned about the proposed NDIS reforms and the impact they may have on people like me.

My disability significantly affects my ability to leave my home and participate in everyday life. I cannot go outside, including into my own yard, without support. Even simple tasks that many people take for granted become overwhelming and impossible without assistance due to my mental health conditions and physical limitations.

I have no family or friends who are able to support me. My support workers are not simply people who assist me with daily tasks. They are my connection to the outside world. They help me access my community, attend appointments, maintain my independence, and most importantly, prevent me from becoming completely isolated.

Over the past two years, I have had to fight for the supports I currently receive. I was required to take my case to the Administrative Review Tribunal to obtain the support I need to live safely and independently. The thought of potentially losing these supports when my plan comes up for review in September has caused significant distress and has already negatively affected my mental health. The ongoing uncertainty has

• increased my anxiety, depression and panic symptoms, resulting in a decline in my overall wellbeing.

• I want the Senate to understand that reducing or removing supports does not simply mean losing assistance with daily tasks. It means losing my connection to the community, losing social interaction, losing opportunities to participate in society, and losing the ability to live a meaningful life.

• Without my current supports, I would face extreme social isolation. I would spend most, if not all, of my time alone inside my home. The impacts of prolonged isolation on mental health are well documented. For someone already living with severe anxiety, depression and agoraphobia, this would likely lead to a significant deterioration in my mental health, increased risk of crisis presentations, worsening physical health outcomes, and a reduced quality of life.

• The NDIS was established to support people with disability to live ordinary lives, participate in their communities, and exercise choice and control. For me, that means being able to remain in my own home, which has been my home for over 25 years.

• Because of my disabilities, living with other people is not a suitable option. My mental health conditions make shared living arrangements extremely difficult and potentially harmful to my wellbeing. I should not be forced to leave my home or live with strangers simply because it may be considered a cheaper option. I have the right to remain in my own home and receive the supports necessary to do so safely.

• The proposed reforms also raise concerns about fundamental human rights. Australia is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which recognises the rights of people with disability to live independently, participate fully in community life, and enjoy equal recognition and dignity.

• Article 19 of the Convention recognises the right of people with disability to choose where and with whom they live and not be obliged to live in a particular living arrangement. It also recognises the right to access the supports required to live independently and be included in the community.

I fear that changes which reduce access to individualised supports, community participation, and in-home assistance may undermine these rights for many people with psychosocial disability and complex support needs.

I am not asking for luxury or special treatment. I am asking for the support required to maintain my health, safety, independence and dignity. The supports I receive allow me to remain in my own home, access my community, maintain my wellbeing and avoid becoming completely isolated.

I ask the Senate to carefully consider the impact these reforms may have on people who rely on the NDIS not only for practical support, but for social connection, community inclusion, mental health stability, and the ability to live with dignity.

For people like me, these supports are not optional extras. They are essential to maintaining our safety, wellbeing, independence and quality of life.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my experiences and concerns.

Yours sincerely,