Although the NDIS has the nominal support of both sides of politics, it has still become a political football with no real commitment to funding beyond some limited trials such as one slated for Barwon beginning in 2013.
The organisation I lead, Wesley Mission Victoria, provides disability services and support to many hundreds of people and their families. When I think about the NDIS, I think about one of our service users, 20 year old Emily (not her real name). Emily was given up by her mother at the age of five. With severe Autism, she was placed in and out of foster care for most of her younger years, before finding a permanent home through Wesley. Without around the clock support, her carer would not have been able to give Emily a decent chance at life. With the support of Wesley and some very limited government funding, Emily's carer is able to provide for Emily. But the funds are short and only cover her most basic needs.
The NDIS is not about money. It's about dignity. It's about supporting the young people with an acquired brain injury so they don't have to live in nursing homes with people three times their age. It's about not limiting people with disabilities to two showers a week because they don't have the money to employ a disability support worker. It's about not making a child wait two years for a wheelchair.
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If only we placed the same focus on people with disabilities as we do on elite sport, many who struggle every day, just to enjoy the simple things in life just like you and I, would be better off.
Australia's Paralympians are profoundly inspiring, but let's not forget those who really need our help. Those who don't have trainers and nutritionists and sponsors, but depend on regular medical appointments, carers and family members to support them as they face hurdles every single day.
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