National Disability Insurance Scheme starts in Albury and the southern Riverina on Saturday

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services Jane Prentice said the administration required to register people and develop their individual plans could be demanding.

“We are trying to increase resources, it is a challenge,” she said. “The important thing is we get those plans right, so it might take a bit longer in the first place but we need to get them right.

“This is, in the long term, a life-changing reform, so whilst there may be a few bumps in the beginning we need to work towards the end goal.”

Under the NDIS, which begins in Wodonga in October, funding is provided directly to people with disabilities rather than the services.

“Gone are the days when you just got what was available, participants will be able to choose what they want,” Mrs Prentice said. “The big challenge of course for the Murrumbidgee region is providing the services and supports that are going to be needed for these people.”

Albury’s Jan Gouma, whose son Curt will participate in the NDIS, favours a “wait and see” approach.

“We know that there are going to be massive changes, but how they’re going to affect us at a grassroots or at a ground level, we don’t know yet,” she said. “I’m a little bit, well, a big bit apprehensive, but I’m also very excited at the prospect. Hopefully it’s going to be a bit more equitable, that people who really have the need for support, those needs will be fulfilled or supported.”

In May Ms Gouma organised a hot air balloon event to increase NDIS awareness.

“I do know from having attended a number of information sessions that a lot of people still have a limited understanding as to what is going to happen,” she said.

“If you’re currently receiving supports and services from other organisations, speak with them about how they might be able to support you to put in an application that’s going to be really comprehensive.”