Commissioner
30 January 2017
To the Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS,
RE: The provision of hearing services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Through the conversations my office has had in recent months with a number of different organisations serving the Deaf and hearing impaired community, we have been made aware of a number of issues that are encountered by this community in accessing the NDIS.
This letter lists some, though by no means all, of the issues that have been shared with my office by the community.
Eligibility
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Eligibility criteria is unclear for those with hearing loss. For example, how is asymmetrical hearing loss considered - is it based on the hearing level in the better or worse ear?
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People are falling through the cracks. For example, funding has been cut to hearing organisations for their clients aged under 65 years old, as the NDIS is meant to cover these clients - but this is not proving to be the case.
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Community members feel that NDIS planners lack awareness about the true impact of hearing loss - not just on communication, but also on mental and social wellbeing.
Funding adequacy and choice
- In one case we have heard of, one client was approved for NDIS hearing services and was funded $26 a year for their hearing care, with services to be provided by Australian Hearing. The questions that this appear to raise are: o What level of hearing care is someone likely to receive for $26 p/a; o In a scheme that promotes people’s choice and control over their supports, what choice did they have in selecting their service provider?
Commission.er
Accessibility
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People have expressed concern to us that inadequate supports are being provided for people with hearing loss for whom English is not their first language, making it particularly difficult for them to navigate the system.
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In order to apply for NDIS funding, individuals need to have already had hearing tests done. This could be a barrier for those who can’t afford to have the tests done in the first place.
I urge the members of the Joint Standing Committee to work with the Australian Deaf and hearing impaired community .to address these issues to ensure equitable access to the NDIS for all Australians.
Regards,
Victorian Disability Services Commissioner
About the Disability Services Commissioner
The Disability Services Commissioner (DSC) commenced on 1 July 2007 under the Disability Act 2006 (the Act) to improve disability services for people with a disability in Victoria. This independent statutory office works with people with a disability and disability service providers in Victoria to resolve complaints.
Our complaints resolution process is free, confidential and supportive and we encourage and assist the resolution of complaints in a variety of ways including informal approaches to resolution, conciliation processes, or under certain circumstances through investigations. Our person-centred approach aims to achieve improved service outcomes while actively supporting the rights of people with disability to live with dignity and respect.