Head of NDIS grilled on ‘insulting’ disability assessment questions, including about sex
Luke Henriques-Gomes • May 4, 2021
Martin Hoffman tells parliamentary committee hearing he believes independent assessments can be ‘done right’
The head of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been grilled about the government’s contentious independent assessments trial after participants were asked “insulting” questions, including about their sex life.
Dr George Taleporos, an NDIS participant who sits on a Victorian disability advisory board, said last month he had been asked about his sex life as part of an independent assessment, used to determine the level of support needed and funding package to be provided.
Participants of the NDIS scheme, were horrified over the introduction of the “Independent assessments” and rightly so, how could a random person assess the level of functionality of a person that is non verbal? How would they even begin to assess a participant who is non verbal? A medically complex participant is usually looked after by a team of Doctors, specialists, allied health professionals and therapists who have known them and their medical history for a good while. These professionals are well in tuned with the patients needs and wants and often collaborate with their care takers to achieve the best possible result. Disability advocates along with some politicians and the participants themselves have made a lot of noise in regards to this painful new model. Participants and disability advocates know that its just an excuse to cut costs, as the scheme costs are set to rise by 2030.
Proposed changes follow the death of Ann Marie Smith last year from septic shock, multiple organ failure, severe pressure sores and malnourishmentGet our free news app and our morning email briefingAdvocates fear proposed privacy changes to the national disability insurance scheme could be used against the people it’s designed to help.Disability organisations have also criticised a lack of consultation about the changes, including how information will be shared. Related: The death of Ann Marie Smith: a shocking case of neglect, or a failure of the system? Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning Continue reading...
Advocates say it is a ‘beautiful thing’ the government was forced to back down after the states and territories rejected the proposalThe Morrison government has been forced to abandon its controversial plan to introduce independent assessments to the national disability insurance scheme after it was rejected by state and territory ministers.The federal NDIS minister, Linda Reynolds, met with her counterparts on Friday to seek “in principle” agreement for sweeping changes to the scheme as revealed by Guardian Australia last weekend. Related: NDIS overhaul: a solution to a $60bn cost blowout or an attack on the scheme’s soul? Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning Related: NDIS independent assessments should not proceed in current form, Coalition’s own advisory council says Continue reading...
