The nation-wide scheme will be rolled out locally on October 3.

NDIS Assistant Director of Transition and Implementation for Western Victoria, Cassie Hammond, told The Standard the scheme would give people with a disability the choice of who and how their supports were delivered.

“The scheme is essentially a new way of delivering supports and services to people who have a disability,” she said.

“We’re working with individuals who are 65 years or under and have a permanent or significant disability.

“It’s about equitable access to services for everyone. They will have choice and control about who they work with and what providers will deliver the support. I

“t’s a new reform for everyone and everyone is learning as they come onto the scheme.”

Ms Hammond encouraged people with a disability in the south-west to check their eligibility for the NDIS.

She said people should think about their life and the formal and informal support they receive. “Think about what works well and what needs to change,” she said.

Ms Hammond said 85 per cent of participants had so far reported a satisfactory experience with the scheme. She said during the Geelong trial there had been an increase in service providers coming to the city.

Information sessions for the south-west will be held in Warrnambool on Tuesday, April 11 and Portland on Wednesday, April 12.

The information sessions at the studio room of the Warrnambool Lighthouse Theatre are for people with disabilities and their families, carers and the general community and others for service providers.

The Warrnambool general community sessions on April 11 will be held from 11.30am -1pm and 7pm-9pm. The session for service providers will be from 2.30pm-4pm. People can RSVP to 5272 7662 or by email to vicwestengagement@ndis.gov.au.