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

Submission 3947

I am a 33-year-old man living with cerebral palsy.

Like many people who rely on the NDIS, my disability has a significant impact on every aspect of my life. I cannot walk, I am non-verbal, and I require assistance with all aspects of my daily living.

I live with my mother, who is my only source of informal support. She is now over 60 years old and is beginning to need support herself while continuing to care for me.

I use my NDIS funding to receive support workers who help me shower, eat, and participate in everyday life. They also support me to become more independent in the community and help me build the skills I need to one day live away from home.

Community access is another vital part of my plan. It allows me to contribute to my community, explore new places, attend events that are meaningful to me, and live a full and connected life. I also attend a day program where I learn valuable skills that help me work towards a richer and more independent future.

My supports also enable me to attend the gym and go swimming, which are essential for maintaining my physical health, fitness, and overall wellbeing.

I regularly attend respite, which provides my mum with a much-needed break from her caring role. Without this support, it would be much harder for her to continue caring for me at home, and it helps make it possible for me to remain living with my family for longer.

In addition, I rely on disability-related consumables such as thickener to make food and drinks safe for me to swallow, reducing my risk of choking and potentially life-threatening complications.

I understand that the NDIS is not an endless pool of money and that it must be managed responsibly. However, reducing funding for people with genuine disability-related needs who are using their supports appropriately does not solve the system’s problems. It sends the message that people with disability are the problem, when in reality we are simply trying to live safe, healthy, independent, and meaningful lives.

The NDIS is not a luxury for me. It is what allows me to participate in my community, maintain my health, support my ageing mother, and live with dignity.