The NDIS began in Western NSW in July 2017.

NDIS engagement and inclusion branch manager Matthew Wright said the anniversary was an important milestone both in the region and nationally.

“The NDIS is empowering more than 2264 adults and 603 children locally in the Western NSW region and more than 81,000 people across NSW, including more than 18,000 people receiving supports for the first time,” Mr Wright said.

“The NDIS is now available across the whole of NSW and is providing Australians with a disability choice and control in how they live their lives.”

The goal of the NDIS is to provide Australians who are under 65-years-old with a permanent or significant disability the access to the supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life. It also provides people with a disability access to existing support services in the community.

Unlike its predecessor, the scheme focuses on providing people with individualised support and flexibility to manage their supports and achieve their goals.

“According to the latest quarterly report from the NDIA, the organisation responsible for the delivery of the NDIS, the scheme is making a real difference to children living with disability in New South Wales with 6,673 children aged naught to six years currently receiving support through Early Childhood Early Intervention,” Mr Wright said.

“Families and carers of NDIS participants are also feeling satisfied with their NDIS experience with 93 per cent of family/carers of participants aged naught to six feeling confident or very confident the NDIS is supporting their child’s development and 82 per cent of participants rated their satisfaction with the planning process as good or very good.”

The Dubbo community was also reaping the rewards of the NDIS.

“The NSW economy continues to benefit from the roll out of the NDIS with the workforce expected to grow by 23,650 to 28,950 workers, while funding worth $18.7 million has been committed to 55 projects to build inclusive communities,” Mr Wright said.