Anonymous

Which of the following statements best describes you?
Disability Advocate

Question 1:
During the first stage of consultations we heard that the vision and the six outcome areas under the current Strategy are still the right ones. Do you have any comments on the vision and outcome areas being proposed for the new Strategy?

The vision and outcome areas are still relevant to NDIS participants but the majority are participants are unable to navigate NDIA processes, They are also unable to correlate redacted information from other users in which to provide NDIA and other relevant bodies of systemic issues that arise.

How are clients supposed to make ” key mechanism for engaging all parties to commit to the continued systemic reform of disability policy in Australia.” without support from Advocates and advocacy organisations correlating information? Why is there no mention of maintaining or increasing Advocacy funding?

Question 2:
What do you think about the guiding principles proposed here?

The current principles proposed are sufficient but are not necessarily employed by employees when making decisions about service users. There should be an additional principles that PWAD should be entitled to the services of an advocate to resolve matters, where appropriate. Advocates can help organisations to adhere to these principles.

Not all clients can advocate on their own behalf and may require require the services of a disability advocate, for example, to ensure that the participants can make contributions to their own plans. Some time the universal design of principles can have unforeseen detrimental effects when applied

Question 3:
What is your view on the proposal for the new Strategy to have a stronger emphasis on improving community attitudes across all outcome areas?

As an advocate I have seen providers of goods and services penalize people with a disability. I think that in a time of increased unemployment there will be greater need for advocates.

Question 4:
How do you think that clearly outlining what each government is responsible for could make it easier for people with disability to access the supports and services they need?

No matter how you clearly define the roles and responsibilities of state and federal governments, governments will still either ignore their responsibilities or still try and pass on their responsibilities. 

Question 5:
How do you think the Strategy should represent the role that the non-government sector plays in improving outcomes for people with disability?

I believe that the governments funding advocates who provide a voice for clients and

Question 6:
What kind of information on the Strategy’s progress should governments make available to the public and how often should this information be made available?

The information released to the public that assesses the strategy’s progress should be the number of complaints, and the issues raised in complaints and how they were resolved. This aids in identifying problem areas, measure outcomes, identify issues that need to be targeted and focused upon by government initiatives.

Reporting should be done either once every six months or once a year, but definitely not more than that.

Question 7:
What do you think of the proposal to have Targeted Action Plans that focus on making improvements in specific areas within a defined period of time (for example within one, two or three years)?

By releasing information about complaints and how they are resolved, identify areas of needs where Targeted Action plans can help, should better benefit PWAD rather than assuming that a sector of the economy can self regulate better through the self imposition of governmental principles and guidelines.

Question 8:
How could the proposed Engagement Plan ensure people with disability, and the disability community, are involved in the delivery and monitoring of the next Strategy?

Engagement with people involves listening to what PAWD. The most effective ay of doing this is releasing information such as the number of complaints, and the issues raised in those complaints and how they were resolved. This aids in identifying problem areas, and measures outcomes, identify issues that need to be targeted.

Question 9:
Is there anything else you would like to share about the ideas and proposals in the position paper?

The paper focuses on governmental initials and sector self registration. There is no emphasis on giving voices to the PWAD. There is no mention of funding for advocacy programs. There is no mention about greater clarity of process and complaints pathways and equal access to services.