National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 662
I am deafblind and have a pre-natal weakness down my left side. I am 53 years old and the NDIS has had so far a very positive impact on my day-to-day life. My family do not live locally so I rely on independent support workers to take me to and from social and community activities. I cannot independently visit my GP, go clothes shopping or go to the Movies. Most recently because of NDIS I attended the Royal Easter Show. I also visit my father who lives in aged care a long way from where I live and my support worker helps me visit him. I am very concerned about the proposed cuts to social inclusion and community participation as I will have to make some really hard choices such as do I visit Dad or do I go to a medical appointment? Do I sit at home and read a book, rather than visit a rose garden with my worker and a friend on a bright sunny day? A couple of years ago I severely burnt my left foot and it had to be looked at every few days. Without the funding through NDIS I would not have been able to receive the much needed help to attend these appointments and also to help me buy things I needed so I could properly rest my foot.
I am also very concerned about the part of the Bill that says the amount of funding for things such as physio, speech therapy and Occupational therapy may be capped in the future. Personally, if I do not have regular physio (once a fortnight at least) my body seizes up and I am then unable to even do the things I love, such as attending art group, or running Bible study. Because I stiffen up so much it is only someone like a physio who can safely mobilise my ankle, so I can continue with the exercises she gives me. Without this regular support I would eventually end up in a wheelchair and would then also need more care and support around my home and beyond.
I understand that savings need to be made, but the Bill as it currently stands will mean more people with disabilities will be isolated and alone, not getting the medical attention we need and more mental health issues will be the result. I appreciate being on the NDIS but if Physio lessens and community participation is also cut to the levels mentioned in the Bill then ultimately the community as a whole will suffer.