VERITY Warn says she’d rather be dead than deal with National Disability Insurance Scheme and its managing agency.
Ms Warn, who has PTSD, told a parliamentary inquiry into the NDIS that she had been “bullied, berated, intimidated and lied to” as she dealt with bureaucrats in the scheme.
“They’ve won. I’ve given up,” Ms Warn said.
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READ NOWShe frequently broke down into tears as she delivered her testimony in the inquiry, saying she struggled to deliver care for both her and her daughter, also on the NDIS.
“I am quite clear that I would rather be dead than deal with more of this,” Ms Ward said.
“At the end of the day I can’t figure out whether we’re all suffering at the hands of cruel stupidity or stupid cruelty.”
NDIA deputy chief executive Vicki Rundle said about four out of five NDIS participants had plans created by contractors, though these had to be signed off by a NDIA delegate.
Ms Rundle said the other 20 per cent of participants had complex needs and required face to face meetings with NDIA specialists.
“At that point the (co-ordinators) will contact us,” Ms Rundle said.
She also said it was her “intention” for participants and their families to be sent draft copies of their plans before they sit down for meetings.
Committee members told bureaucrats at the hearing they had received complaints from participants and carers that they often sat down with planners with a finished draft plan put in front of them, often not getting any input in the process.
Dougie Herd, who uses the NDIS, said he had better dealings with banks than with his coordinator.
Mr Herd said had a 90 minute conversation with his co-ordinator, filled out the paperwork but never saw his draft plan until he was due to sign off on it.
“It’s very simple, just show it to me, have a conversation with me and let me – as a sentient human being – have a final observation,” he said.
“I think it’s unacceptable I should only see my plan once it’s been agreed to by someone I’ve never met.”
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