Good morning,
My name is Narelle Wright and I am a NDS participant. I have a severe vision impairment.
Submission to the NDIS Inquiry
I welcome the opportunity to provide feedback on the current NDIS reforms and proposed changes.
I support the introduction of digital payment systems and measures designed to improve accountability and reduce misuse of NDIS funding. However, I am concerned that these reforms do not adequately address accessibility barriers that many participants continue to experience.
For digital payments to be effective, participants must be able to independently access, review and approve invoices and payment information. If invoices, statements and other financial documents do not comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), many participants with disability may be unable to access the information they are being asked to approve. This creates a significant risk, as participants may be forced to rely on others to interpret information on their behalf, reducing transparency and potentially creating opportunities for abuse of the system.
I am also concerned about the increased focus on the concept of permanency when determining eligibility and supports. Many people with disability live in areas where specialist services are limited or unavailable. Others cannot afford the travel costs required to access assessments, treatment or specialist reports. As a result, some people may be unable to obtain the evidence needed to demonstrate their disability or support needs, despite experiencing substantial impacts on their daily lives. I am concerned that these individuals could be unfairly excluded from accessing the NDIS.
The NDIS has been extremely important in my life because it provides me with the opportunity to remain independent and make my own choices. However, I continue to experience significant barriers because much of the information provided by the NDS is not accessible. Information that does not meet WCAG requirements cannot be read independently using assistive technology. This means I must rely on other people to explain information to me, often through their own interpretation and perspective. As a result, information is not always clearly understood, and my ability to make informed decisions is reduced.
I currently use Capacity Building supports for orientation and mobility training, guide dog training, and relearning skills when changes in my disability occur. These supports are essential to maintaining my independence. Without them, I would be at significant risk of becoming housebound.
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Community supports are equally important. I rely on these supports to attend specialist appointments and to assist with essential activities such as grocery shopping and purchasing clothing when I am unable to do so independently.
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While I understand the need to strengthen the NDIS and ensure funding is used appropriately, I am concerned that the current reforms are creating additional barriers for participants rather than addressing the underlying issues within the system. Any changes to the NDIS should prioritize accessibility, independence, informed choice, and equitable access to support for all participants.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Regards
Narelle Wright