A Barrier for Many
Shontay Mulcahy's family is struggling to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) due to the high cost of assessments. Her son Norman has an intellectual disability and a rare metabolic condition, but the family cannot afford the $1,200 upfront cost for a psychologist's assessment, which is required before Norman can be assessed for the NDIS.
Local charity Leeton JumpStart Fund stepped in and paid for the assessment, but Ms. Mulcahy's family is not alone. Advocacy group People with Disabilities (PWD) says the price of medical assessments is a barrier for many people trying to access the NDIS. They have spent $9,025 to help five people be assessed who otherwise would not have been able to afford it.
PWD deputy CEO Megan Spindler-Smith says many people with disabilities struggle to afford assessments in the first place. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2018, 38% of households with a person with a disability had a low level of income compared with 18% of households without disability.
Ms. Mulcahy and PWD are calling for more support for people with disabilities to afford the assessments they need. They want to see psychologist appointments subsidized by the federal government to make accessing assessments easier.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) says it is always looking at simplifying the application process. However, they emphasize that to meet access criteria for the NDIS, a person must meet all eligibility criteria and provide evidence of how their disability and reduced level of functional capacity impact their everyday life. The agency continues to refine the access process to make it more transparent and simpler.
11 Comments
Loubianka
I support the NDIS and believe it is an important program for people with disabilities. I understand that there are concerns about the cost of assessments, but I believe that the benefits of the program outweigh the costs.
Eugene Alta
It's important to remember that the NDIS is funded by taxpayers. We need to ensure that the program is used responsibly and that those who are most in need are able to access the support they require.
KittyKat
The NDIS is making a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities. I am grateful for this program and the support it provides.
Katchuka
The NDIS is a vital program that provides essential support to people with disabilities. I believe it is important to continue to invest in the NDIS and ensure that it is available to those who need it.
KittyKat
This is discrimination! The NDIS needs to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Muchacho
This is just another example of how people with disabilities are marginalized in our society.
Leonardo
I'm glad Leeton JumpStart Fund helped this family, but that's not a long-term solution. The government needs to step up and make these assessments affordable for everyone.
Mariposa
The NDIS is making a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. I am grateful for this program and the support it provides.
Muchacho
It's time to end this injustice! People with disabilities deserve the same opportunities as everyone else.
Mariposa
We need a system that is based on need, not on ability to pay.
Pupsik
I understand the concerns about the cost of assessments, but I also believe that the NDIS is a valuable program that provides essential support for people with disabilities.