NDIA Accountability Project

Submission 31 — Name Withheld — The provision of services under the NDIS for people with psychosocial disabilities related to a mental health condition

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25 February 2017

Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme

PO Box 6100

Parliament House

Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am pleased to have the opportunity to make a submission to the committee on the provision of services under the NDIS for people with psychosocial disabilities related to a mental health condition I was rejected as an applicant by the NDIS. That rejection was a means of retribution by an NDIA Access Staff member who I lodged a complaint about. This matter is now with the Human Rights Commission for assessment, and the Federal Ombudsman, who is yet to respond. I suffer from Chronic PTSD, Chronic Depression, Chronic Anxiety, and am currently waiting formal Diagnosis from a Neurologist of Drug Induced Parkinson’s as a result of medication side affects. The treatment received by the NDIA now leaves me unable to leave my home, without experiencing Panic Attacks.

Yours Sincerely

Submission for the provision of services under the NDIS for people with psychosocial disabilities related to a mental health condition

About My Matter

I was diagnosed with Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic Depression, Chronic Anxiety

Disorder, am waiting for formal diagnosis of Drug Induced Parkinson’s as a result of medication side effect, by a Neurologist. And because of the intimidating and abusive treatment by the NDIA access officer I am unable to leave my home without experiencing panic attacks. This matter has been with the NDIA since December, and recently given to the Human Rights Commission wo are assessing, and the Federal Ombudsman, who has not responded. I was rejected as a participant in the NDIS on 16 December 2016, 2 days after lodging a complaint against an NDIA Access employee, who only the day before the complaint asked for an additional letter from my GP.

Executive Summary

It is my position that the NDIA does not understand the complexities of Mental Health. I also have found that those employed by the NDIA do not understand the Legislation or Rules of the NDIS. The staff in the Access Section dealing with Mental Health Applicants should be trained in Mental Health. The access requirements are extremely onerous, expensive, and unnecessary for mental Health applicants because of the ignorance of mental health by NDIA staff. My conditions were made worse by the way I was treated by the NDIA.

Key Recommendations

  1. That the NDIA apply the Act and Rules when undertaking their roles

  2. That staff with a background in Mental Health be allocated to Psychosocial applicants and participants.

  3. That all staff be given basic training in mental health terminology.

  4. That the Psychosocial group be removed from the NDIS until it is properly understood and scoped.

  5. That if a mainstream service is not available in a regional area, funding for the service be provided by the NDIS.

a. the eligibility criteria for the NDIS for people with a psychosocial disability The Eligibility requirement for access is not being applied as it should by the NDA Access staff. Mental Health issues are far more complex than the access requirements allow for. People with Mental Health conditions, be they the only condition, or a comorbid condition, should be handled by specially trained staff. In addition, a method of ensuring all calls are given a receipt number and entered into the data base, All emails and written correspondence should have the same conditions.

All my “records” are not on the data base. Nor, according to the NDIA have they been removed. Either way we have a system that does not enter or store data, or a system that allows for untraceable removal of records. Both are serious issues.

Recommendations

  1. That the NDIA apply the act and rules as written

  2. That NDIA staff be reminded of their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.

  3. Only specialised staff with a mental health background be assigned to mental health applications.

  4. That NDIA implement an appropriate data tracking system that includes providing receipts for phone calls and correspondence to all applicants..

b. the transition to the NDIS of all current long and short term mental health Commonwealth Government funded services, including the Personal Helpers and Mentors services (PHaMs) and Partners in Recovery (PIR) programs, and in particular;

i. whether these services will continue to be provided for people deemed ineligible for the NDIS

In .my case absolutely nothing has been transitioned, and I can now only access State Mental Health and my GP. I am in regional NSW, and I have not had access to a Psychiatrist since the end of August 2012. In addition because I can no longer leave the house due my disability and the way the NDIA treated me, I cannot, and would not be able to anyway, access a Skype Psychatrist. Best I can manage is supported visit by my husband, with 5 children under 11, to my GP, and a short visit to my Mental Health Nurse.

c. the transition to the NDIS of all current long and short term mental health state and territory government funded services, and in particular;

i. whether these services will continue to be provided for people deemed ineligible for the NDIS;

I am continuing to receive State Health Care. But this is insufficient.

d. the scope and level of funding for mental health services under the Information, Linkages and Capacity building framework;

I cannot comment on this

e. the planning process for people with a psychosocial disability, and the role of primary health networks in that process;

Input from primary health networks has been provided in my case, but discounted by the NDIA..

f. whether spending on services for people with a psychosocial disability is in line with projections;

I cannot comment on this

g. the role and extent of outreach services to identify potential NDIS participants I cannot comment on this.

h. the provision, and continuation of services for NDIS participants in receipt of forensic disability services;

I cannot comment on this.

i. any related matter. i. The suffering from a worsening of my conditions in dealing with the NDIA ii. That as regional participants that section of the act requiring access to mainstream services regardless of whether they are available, makes it impossible for us to receive the care we need.