MEDIA RELEASE
Advocacy for Inclusion has today released a set of real-life stories which highlight reductions in supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The stories reveal some people report they are experiencing life-altering cuts to therapy, support coordination, psychology, respite, meal assistance and other supports with plans trimmed to the bone.
The release of the stories follows statements during the recent AFI federal election town hall event that no one was being removed from the NDIS as well as this week’s announcement that negotiations for the new system of Foundational Supports, being developed by the Commonwealth with the States and Territories, would not be finalised until the end of the year.
“While the official story may be that no one has been removed from the scheme, these responses tell a different story,” said Craig Wallace, Head of Policy at Advocacy for Inclusion.
“When you lose the therapy that keeps you mobile, or the coordination support that keeps your life running, it doesn’t really matter whether you’re technically still on the scheme – you’re functionally shut out.”
Participant responses include:
Weekly physical therapy was discontinued due to new restrictions on provider qualifications. Access to frozen meal services was lost because of changes to invoicing requirements. Fully funded respite support was reduced, with individuals unable to attend group settings now required to pay a co-payment.
– from an NDIS participant
The children’s NDIS plans were cut by half without explanation, and the participant reports having lost all choice and control in decision-making regarding their supports.
– from the Parent of two NDIS participants
Support coordination funding was denied, with the explanation that the Local Area Coordinator (LAC) could provide this – despite the participant never having had contact with one. Psychology was removed on the basis that it is covered by Medicare, even though the therapy is entirely related to the participant’s disability.
– from an NDIS participant
Support coordination was removed, with the participant told it was no longer necessary – despite experiencing memory loss and difficulty using technology. They were advised to seek assistance from the LAC partner, who had previously provided no meaningful support.
– from an NDIS participant
Physiotherapy was declined despite the participant having a diagnosed movement disorder. It was suggested that their support worker could assist with exercises, even though the participant experiences balance issues and is at risk of falling. A request for transport assistance was rejected on the basis that the participant holds a driver’s licence, even though they are medically prohibited from driving. A letter from their neurologist confirming this was provided, but the decision remained unchanged.
– from an NDIS participant
The participant was removed from the NDIS on the grounds of lacking updated documentation – despite having submitted recent documents. The decision was instead based on assessments from ten years ago. As a result, the participant has lost all support and is now isolated at home, experiencing severe anxiety.
– from a former NDIS participant
Soft tissue therapy, though only 30 minutes fortnightly, was removed despite its benefit in reducing stiffness and pain from physical injuries. Gym support, provided for 30 minutes per week, was also cut. Most significantly, music therapy was removed – an activity crucial to his well-being that helped improve cognitive development, social skills, confidence, mood control, and alleviated anxiety and OCD symptoms.
– from the parent of a participant
“These are not small or abstract losses,” said Mr Wallace. “They have the potential to take away people’s ability to live independently.”
Advocacy for Inclusion is sharing the de-identified responses with elected representatives and government officials to support more informed discussions about participant experience, rights, and the results of systemic reform.
“We know the NDIS Review is driving significant changes,” Mr Wallace said. “But these participants tell us they are falling through the cracks right now without a safety net. We need an orderly process, so we call on Government to cease cuts to plans and changes to support levels and eligibility until the new foundational system is in place”
You can read the stories here.
Media Contacts
Craig Wallace, Head of Policy on 0477 200 755.