SUBMISSION TO: THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION INQUIRY INTO DISABILITY CARE & SUPPORT

FROM: WAYNE & ANN BUCK – PARENTS OF MICHAEL BUCK

We are the parents of a 25 year old autistic man who relies on us for everyday support and care.  Our concern is that without individual funding, and suitable high quality, home-like residential options, Michael’s quality of life will be severely affected when we are no longer able to care for him.

At present, after diagnosis you go cap in hand to many different organisations to find out ‘what, where, when’, and then find out there isn’t any individual funding, and you go into the mix with everyone else, or simply go home and do it all yourself.

Our suggestion to overcome this for Michael and the many others in his situation is:

What should come out of the proposed NDIS is that everyone is reassessed and funding set up for their individual needs, which they own for life.  After diagnosis, funding should become automatic and tailored to the person’s individual needs through each stage of their life.  
This funding is then used to ensure they receive as individuals what they need – not one
cap fits all. Input to assess their needs should be accessed from themselves (if possible) family, friends, carers, employers and other specialised care providers e.g. Autism Association.

Residential care should be readily available – no long waiting lists, available on request at any age from the individual, family, friends and carers. These facilities should also be age appropriate.  People with disabilities have the right to a home that is well run, comfortable, safe, caring, has pleasant surroundings, and takes into consideration their individual needs.

We, as Michael’s parents have invested our love, life and time to ensure that Michael enjoys life, contributes to the community (works at Bedford Industries) and leads a fulfilling life.  He is entitled to the lifestyle that he is accustomed to, and this should be continued when we are not able to care for him any longer.

People with disabilities should not have to settle for second best in a country as affluent as Australia, simply because they are not able to advocate for themselves, and parents give up because of lack of commitment by politicians and the community in general, as it has little impact on them.