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

Submission 3842

22 May 2026

Dear Committee,

I am writing on behalf of my granddaughter, who lives with a severe intellectual disability. She is non-verbal, incontinent, and requires support in all areas of daily life. She is 23 years old and is a participant in the NDIS.

I am writing regarding the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026. I support sensible reforms to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the NDIS, and I understand the importance of keeping the scheme affordable.

However, I am deeply concerned about the proposed 50% cut to social and community participation funding from October 2026. For participants with severe intellectual disability, this funding is essential to their wellbeing, independence, and inclusion in the community. Without support, they are often unable to leave their homes safely.

People must continue to receive social and community participation funding at a level that reflects their actual needs. For many people with severe intellectual disability, this includes one-to-one support to ensure their safety and the safety of those who support them.

Any reduction in this funding would directly reduce the number of days my granddaughter could attend her day program. Although she is a very social person, she needs support to build and maintain social connections. A funding cut would leave her increasingly housebound and place even greater pressure on her parents, who already provide extensive daily care, including bathing, preparing meals, supervision, and taking her on outings.

I respectfully ask that this proposal be amended so that people with moderate, severe, or profound disability are excluded from these cuts.

Removing social and community participation funding from people with significant disability risks isolating them in their own homes and denying them the opportunity to participate in community life.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,