National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 992
Proposed NDIS Changes to Social and Community Participation from October
26/05/2026
I provide support to NDIS participants with a Psychosocial disability. These individuals have mostly spent their lives masking their disability due to social stigma.
Most are unable to work, therefore unable to experience the security of home ownership. Some become homeless when they relapse into severe psychosis.
Their lives are often shrouded with anxiety, depression, mania, delusions. Resulting in poor personal relationships and minimal community engagement. Psychosocial disability is more often than not caused by trauma; childhood trauma, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical abuse. The child who becomes the adult had no say, no choice, no escape. They mostly feel confused, afraid and embarrassed by their mental illness and subsequent disability. Finding it difficult to function at school, in the work place, within their families and wider society.
Social and Community Participation currently provided by the NDIS has elevated participants social life, allowing a safe and supportive way for them to be involved in their local community and to regain respect and inclusion. Over time confidence is gained and a sense of belonging to their community. From my experience these people seek further education, volunteer work and paid employment as well as supporting others in their community.
To conclude, I hope the Labour Government will reconsider cuts to Psychosocial Disability supports. On the ground I can see positive results, that would be impossible without the NDIS. It takes time for people to heal from ingrained past trauma, but it is possible with the right supports. This support prevents individuals relapsing and requiring hospitalisation a far more expensive option. Participants are more likely to engage in a positive and productive way in their community, with support.
Thank you for reading my submission.