National Disability Insurance Scheme Public Inquiry
Submission by Les Cope 29th April 2011

1. Respite Support
Respite support is provided to parents to enable them to manage on a day-to-day basis, and give them some personal time. Currently parents of children with disabilities are provided minimal respite that continues when the child becomes an adult. Governments over the years have used respite as a band-aid, avoiding the larger issues of individuals’ and parents’ ageing, as identified in the current review. 
-	Respite support should continue to be provided to parents who have a child with a disability. It needs to be provided based fully on the family’s and their child’s needs.  
-	Once a child with a disability becomes an adult, aged 18–21 years old, respite support as such should cease; and be replaced by an individual personal plan. A personal plan will mean that respite support as currently practised, WILL NOT be required. Parents can continue with their lives and the young adult with his/her life. 

2. Personal Planning
Funding for people with disabilities should be based on an individuals needs and their personal life plan. This can commence when the individual is a child. It may be as simple as recording his/her needs; medication, toileting, self help skills etc. Over time needs may change and it’s crucial that documentation is kept up to date. It provides immediate information that can be accessed and used by carers, support people and friends to ensure an individual’s needs are being met. Once the child becomes an adult, his/her plan may address other issues. e.g. accommodation, community involvement, support and daily living needs. 
-	An individual’s plan is to be just that. For the individual. 
-	If he/she decides to remain at home, or live elsewhere that is what should be provided for. This happens currently with regular families and society. The NDIS should enable individuals to be part of the community and mirror its approach.

3. Funding the NDIS
There have been various viewpoints in the media about how an NDIS is to be funded. If it is to come out of general revenue there is no guarantee that Governments can or will continue its full funding. A tax of some kind is essential to ensure adequate funds are available and Governments remain committed.