Vision Australia has expressed concern that senior Australians who have disabilities may fall through the cracks with the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that is capped at the age of 65.
The general principle of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is to support the independence, inclusion, and social and economic participation of people with disability, and recognises their right to exercise choice and control over the planning and delivery of their supports.
More than 80 per cent of people believe it is unfair to cap the age at 65 for eligibility under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).1 The majority of people who get services from Vision Australia are over 65.
“Our clients have told us that they are concerned they won’t be able to get the services they need,” said Maryanne Diamond, Vision Australia General Manager International and Stakeholder Relations.
..blindness impacts seniors at higher rates
Vision Australia is a strong supporter of the NDIS, but is keen to hear from government that there will be funding available for senior Australians outside the scheme.
“We know blindness impacts seniors at higher rates than their younger peers,” said Ms. Diamond.
“According to official government figures, the incidence of blindness and low vision increases with age. The older you are, the more likely you are to be affected. And the number will grow as the population ages
and lives longer.”
“We urge the Government to publicly acknowledge the need to address this issue,” Ms. Diamond said. “We need disability services for senior Australians.”
Reference:
- Research conducted by the Macular Disease
Foundation Australia.
