![NDIS has a start date to change lives NDIS has a start date to change lives](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/9uPv5Hw5fHgJxKHJiUjqfy/e56ae164-62c9-40f3-954d-2764c57daa49.jpg/r0_133_2725_1671_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Disability services have welcomed an end to uncertainty around the National Disability Insurance Scheme, with news it will roll out locally in 2017.
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The scheme promises to do away with the current crisis model that has resulted in long waiting lists.
It was announced this week that Albury would get access to the NDIS in July 2017 and North East Victoria in October 2017.
The region missed out on being part of the 2016 rollout, but executive officer at Wodonga’s Disability Advocacy and Information Service Martin Butcher said that was a positive.
"I think it's good that we're in the second lot," he said.
"There's still a lot of work to be done to have a greater understanding of the NDIS.”
DAIS is unsure how it will fit into the scheme as an advocacy group, but Mr Butcher said families supporting someone with a disability are guaranteed more choice over services.
“At the moment, the system is broken and underfunded and very complicated,” he said.
“(The NDIS) promises to fund people based on their needs, not just what’s available.”
Aspire Support Services chief executive officer Nigel Stone said the Border disability service would spend the next two years preparing for the NDIS and ensuring local families understand their options.
“It’s great to know we’ve actually got a time frame in place, we’ve been waiting a while,” he said.
“We’re certainly hopeful it will change people’s lives.”
The announcement was also welcomed by politicians such as Cathy McGowan, who said it was good news for those who lobbied for change.
“The NDIS will provide vital support for families who have waited for this to be implemented,” she said.
“I look forward to working with the Victorian Government on the rollout and implementation of the NDIS across Indi.”
Sophie Mirabella said she spoke with and Senator Mitch Fifield to thank him for the local rollout.
“Thanks to this agreement, over 2600 people across Indi will get the individual support they need,” she said.