Commonwealth Inquiry into Independent Assessment For NDIS

Dear members of the Duchenne and Becker community.

You may recall that just prior to Christmas we advised of a community consultation process which was being undertaken by the NDIA into some proposed changes to the NDIS (NDIS Consultation – Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation). One of the changes proposed was the introduction of independent assessments to determine functional capacity for the purposes of NDIS decision- making. It has been argued by the NDIA that the use of independent assessors was a fairer, more equitable and standardised means of determining NDIS eligibility than the current system.

Many disability groups however have been “up in arms” in relation to this proposal arguing amongst other things, that it takes power and control away from people with disabilities,  compromises the advice and long standing relations between those with a disability and their trusted health advisors/specialists and further, that it potentially undermines a number of quality controls and regulations – with questions arising in relation to the backgrounds and motives of those undertaking the assessment process.

In response to these concerns, the Federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme is establishing an Inquiry into Independent Assessments and is now seeking submissions and feedback from the community.

This Inquiry will be running until March 2021, is in addition to the consultation processes already established for proposed changes to the NDIS, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to have your say.

If you would like to participate in the Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation’s collective submission to this Federal Inquiry and/or our responses to the earlier consultation papers flagged prior to Christmas, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@saveoursons.org.au. We would be grateful for any written feedback or discussion you would be prepared to have with us.

Further, we would recommend you also write submissions and provide your feedback directly to the Inquiry on this matter. Further information on this Inquiry and the terms of reference can be found at www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/IndependentAssessments.

We hope to hear from you.