Leanne ONeill

Which of the following statements best describes you?

• I’m a person with disability

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?

My main concerns are definitely housing – I cannot get any assistance because I work fulltime, and it is so hard to find wheelchair friendly housing. I am currently renting but the owner is moving back in and this is a wheelchair friendly unit, so I am devastated. I can’t apply for public housing because I work full time. I think I should still be able to get help and pay rent to reflect my income.

The other huge concern is how hard it is for people with disabilities to received the DSP, especially when you have done the right thing and been in the workforce. The ‘table’ makes it virtually impossible.

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

It is good to have discussions with the actual people that have disabilities (I am 57 and been in a wheelchair since I was 20).
It is good to treat each person individually.
Everything seems so complicated, I don’t understand the NDIS plan and when I do try to get something that is on the plan, like a new wheelchair it is very hard to find an OT, and two places I contacted that supply wheelchairs do not come to Central Queensland anymore. It is hard for people in Rural areas.

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?

It is hard to get excited about being part of the community when you are worried about where you are going to live next.
However looking back to when I was younger, it would have been wonderful to have better access to the community events and activities.

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?

I feel that people definitely need to be educated more about NDIS, people I talk to aren’t really helpful, because I feel that they don’t understand our needs.

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?

Businesses definitely need to be more aware of what is needed (toilet access etc).

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?

Nil input.

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)?

Housing
Disability Support Pension
Older people with disabilities

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 the disabled and their families is so important.

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

Nil input.