NDIS BILL

I am writing to formally express my deep concern and disagreement regarding the recent review of my NDIS plan, which resulted in a significant reduction of my therapy funding. This decision has had an immediate and detrimental impact on my health, independence, and daily functioning.

As a T10 complete paraplegic who suf-fered a stroke in 2020, I rely on regular exercise physiology and physiotherapy to main-tain my core strength and trunk balance. Without this support, I am at a high risk of falling from my wheelchair or bed. Which has happened often.

Despite extensive supporting documentation from my medical team, the recent re-view stated that this therapy was not considered “not value for money” and categorised it as “ongoing maintenance.” Which they stated NDIA do not fund? This itself completely contradicts the NDIS actual website for the love of God. I’m a com plete teen para-p leg ic . I suffer a stro ke . I have bilateral shoulder injuries. I’m never going to get better. This is my life. The only thing that’s going to happen is it is going to keep sliding backwards until I need full care. The funding that I have been reduced will be utterly pittances compared to what it’s going to cost eventually.

I must clarify that for a participant with my level of permanent disability, these therapies are not about “recovery” in a traditional sense, but about maintaining the vital physical capacity I have left. Since the funding was cut, I have experienced a noticeable deterioration in muscle mass and strength. Consequently, I now require significantly more assistance for tasks I was previously able to perform independently. Reducing a participant’s ability to care for themselves is inherently unsustainable and leads to a higher long-term cost of care. How, do answer is this saving money?

Furthermore, this decision has profoundly affected my self-esteem and dignity. The NDIS was established to provide participants with choice, control, and the tools to live a ful- filling life. Stripping away the fundamental supports that prevent injury and facilitate social participation contradicts these core values. And only end up costing the government (tax payer) MORE MONEY as a result of decline.

I asked the NDIA reconsider the evidence provided by my doctors and therapists to restore the funding necessary for me to maintain my independence and safety. But again came back with same reply, leaving everyone in my team utterly confused as I how the system can state its for persons requiring care as they state?

My health has completely taken a dive, my personal health has suffered, as I can’t see how I will be able to continue living independently? I can’t manage, I’m not 20 or 30, 40,

Submission to the NDIS Inquiry

I am no longer eligible for support under the NDIS because I was previously classified as having a permanent impairment that met the criteria at the time of assessment. However, due to changes in my condition over the years, including significant deterioration following an injury sustained during service, I now find myself ineligible despite ongoing challenges.

This situation has left me feeling frustrated and disheartened, especially considering how much effort went into initially qualifying for assistance through the program. It seems ironic given all we’ve been through together - both personally and collectively within our community here at home.

50 anymore. And never thought I would ever would be deemed not disabled enough??? What on earth do you people on capital hill deem lifetime disability? Again…I’m a complete paraplegic, I have bilateral shoulder damage from basically told my shoulders worn out doing decades of what they weren’t designed for (doing the load one’s legs do and more) I suffered a stroke with further right side paralysis of my arm.

I add this brief overview as my submission to the Ndis inquiry.