Ask 100 disabled people to tell you about disability and you’re likely to get 100 different answers. But one factor of disability that everyone would agree with is that having a disability is very expensive. Nearly anything that is said to be for assistance with a disability can cost an astonishing amount and this is justified by some as being a “medical” need. One of many examples that I witnessed on an auction site was a bottle holder for a pram priced at $7. The very same bottle holder advertised for use on a wheelchair was priced at $94.

To help alleviate costs for the disability community, in 2013, the Australian government initiated the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) Act which was rolled out to all of Australia by 2020. This wonderful initiative focused on a national approach to assisting disabled Australians with their individual needs whether it be mobility equipment, housing, social or community participation and any other costs associated with disability. 

Currently, the number of disabled people who are supported by the NDIS is in excess of 646,000, making a significantly positive impact on those who receive funding. According to the NDIS quarterly report, actual NDIS funding averages between $46,000 -$51,000 per participant, per year. 

There is obviously a set criteria for those who receive funding through the NDIS but how many Australians are actually disabled? Recent figures indicate that 1 in 6 or approximately 4.4 million people with a disability. The cut-off age to participate is 65 years old. 

As can be seen, there is an enormous disparity between those who are disabled and those who receive funding through the NDIS. Those who are not eligible under the criteria set by the NDIS can sometimes access one-off funding that may be available through their states or territories however this is usually a minimal amount or certain criteria limits applied. 

And what of the 3.75 million who are required to self-fund their needs, paying all costs themselves for aids they require to get through their day? It is said that the prices of all types of aids for disabled people have risen in cost considerably since the NDIS was rolled out and these costs are the same whether you have NDIS funding or you are self-funded. 

This quandary has been on my mind since becoming disabled and in those 10 years, I’ve spent well more than $10,000 on different aids from a manual wheelchair to braces, crutches and other associated items. 

It would be very helpful for those who are not funded through the NDIS if they could receive a discount for goods and services they require from retailers and possibly wholesalers and this is what I am endeavouring to initiate. 

The crux of the scheme (which I have called Disability Discounts) is that a person with a disability could gain a pre-determined discount from certain retailers or service providers upon the presentation of a photo ID and a Disability Parking Permit in their name. 

This would not only benefit the purchaser but also the retailer or service provider as people with a disability would purchase their needs from such businesses. 

There is still a long way to go to get this scheme into existence but the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. I’m ready to take that first step and would appreciate any support that could be offered. 

ABOUT ME

Bill is a husband, father and grandfather who lives in the central Queensland town of Maryborough. Bill is an ambulant wheelchair user following two failed surgeries. He is very passionate about disability rights and is a member of the Fraser Coast Council’s Inclusive Access Advisory Committee. Bill enjoys wheelchair basketball, photography, woodwork and spending time with his family. You can find Bill on X/Twitter @bilfulaAU