“Put her in a group home”

That’s the message delivered to Nevoy Nappa about her disabled daughter Gabby by an NDIS worker.

Gabby is 21-years-old, suffering severe intellectual and physical disabilities, and is completely dependent on her mum for everything.

Feeding, showering, changing nappies, hoisting… everything.

Under the old system, Neovy received 100 days of respite each year to help with the incredible physical and emotional toll full-time caring takes.

Now the NDIS has cut that to just 29 days and introduced an enormous amount of paperwork and red tape for her to qualify.

Neovy contacted Ben Fordham, after a meeting with an NDIS officer left her desperate for help.

“We went in there and… she turned around and said, ‘ you should consider putting her in a group home’.

“She said to me, ‘it’s going to happen eventually because it’s not financially viable for Gabby to be at home with you. It’s actually cheaper to have her in a group home.”

Ben promised Neovy he would take up her and Gabby’s case with the ministers responsible.

Click PLAY below to hear the full chat with Neovy

Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams has responded to Ben’s conversation with Neovy with the below statement.

He says he is fully aware of Gabriella’s situation and will stress that as an eligible participant of the NDIS, the NDIA must provide appropriate support and services to meet Gabriella and her family’s needs.

See the full statement below

I am aware of Neovy and Gabriella Nappa’s situation and have recently made representations on their behalf to the Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher.

I am seeking to speak to my Federal counterpart within the next 24 hours to stress that as an eligible participant of the NDIS, the NDIA must provide appropriate support and services to meet Gabriella and her family’s needs.

I will continue to fight for the needs of all people with disability in NSW, especially those most vulnerable.

However, it should be pointed out, people who have been found eligible for funding under the NDIS are the sole responsibility of the Commonwealth Government with funds administered for their support by the NDIA.