Blind bowler's dream threatened by NDIS funding cuts

West Australian athlete Serge Asquer's dream of competing in the blind bowls championship next year is under threat due to significant cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Asquer, who lost his vision seven years ago, had his weekly support hours slashed from 24 to just four, with further reductions planned.

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Apart from some basic things like showering myself, there's not much I can do by myself anymore. I had a goal to keep me going. Without this, I have nothing. Bowls is my life.

These cuts severely impact Asquer's independence, leaving him unable to perform basic daily tasks like making a cup of tea. He relies on friends and family for assistance, but their availability is limited by their own jobs and lives. "Apart from some basic things like showering myself, there's not much I can do by myself anymore," Asquer stated. "I had a goal to keep me going. Without this, I have nothing. Bowls is my life."

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It enables you to be a part of the community and live with dignity. No-one should have that taken away. The NDIS was created to help disabled people and our families, and yet there still seems to be these indiscriminate cuts regardless of what is means for people.

Federal Greens senator Jordon Steele-John criticized the NDIS cuts, emphasizing that access to support work is crucial for community participation and living with dignity. He argued that the NDIS was designed to assist disabled individuals and their families, and that indiscriminate cuts harm vulnerable people. "Sport is a huge part of who we are and a fair go is what we hope, as a community, to be at the centre of everything we do," Senator Steele-John said, questioning Asquer's "fair go."

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Sport is a huge part of who we are and a fair go is what we hope, as a community, to be at the centre of everything we do. Where is Serge's fair go here?

An NDIS spokesperson assured that funding decisions are made based on evidence and in line with the NDIS Act, and that participants have the right to appeal decisions. However, Asquer expressed frustration with the lack of progress in accessing assistive technology, fearing he will lose his ability to participate in the sport he loves.

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All funding decisions are made based on the evidence provided and in line with the NDIS Act, including supporting greater independence through assistive technology and capacity building supports. NDIS participants have the right to request a review of Agency decisions, including through the Administrative Review Tribunal.