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

Submission 3867

Dear Committee Members,

My name is Kim Blieschke and I am the mother of a 27-year-old daughter who lives with Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD), anxiety, depression and OCD. The NDIS has been critical in supporting her to live a meaningful life, maintain community connections, and participate in activities that support her wellbeing and mental health. I am writing because I am deeply concerned about the NDIS Future Generations Bill 2026 and the impact it may have on people like my daughter.

I oppose the proposed reduction in social and community participation funding and any move towards limiting participants to group-based supports and accommodation. My daughter’s disabilities and mental health conditions mean that group activities are often not appropriate for her. She requires individualised supports to safely access her community, pursue her interests, and maintain her independence. Choice and control are fundamental principles of the NDIS, and people with disability should retain the right to choose how they participate in their community and where and with whom they live.

Several years ago, my daughter experienced significant regression associated with Down Syndrome Regression Disorder. During this period she withdrew from activities, became socially isolated, and struggled with her mental health. Through individualised NDIS supports, she was gradually able to reconnect with her community, rebuild her confidence, and participate in activities that were meaningful to her. These supports were tailored to her specific needs and could not have been replaced by a generic group program. Reducing these supports would place her at risk of further isolation, declining mental health, and reduced quality of life.

I respectfully ask the Committee to recommend that the proposed cuts to social and community participation funding not proceed and that participants continue to have access to individualised supports that meet their unique needs. I also ask that the principles of choice and control be protected, including the right of people with disability to decide where they live, who they live with, and how they participate in their communities.

Yours sincerely,

Kim Blieschke

Port Pirie, South Australia

I consent to the publication of my name as part of this submission.