David relies on Christina for 24/7 care, but the NDIS won’t fund her help – because she’s his wife

Dr David Squirrell, Christina and their guide dog, Viking, at home in Hallett Cove, South Australia. David has been fighting the NDIA for six years now. He is deafblind and can't find a suitable carer in the Adelaide region to meet his needs. His wife has the qualifications but because they are married the NDIA won't fund her. Photograph: Sia Duff/The Guardian

When Dr David Squirrell, a deafblind advocate talks about the NDIS, he calls it the “national divorce initiating scheme”.

Squirrell, 68, needs around-the-clock support. After starting to lose his senses in his 30s, the former physician has very limited vision and uses hearing aids. He’s also lost his taste and smell.