Commonwealth Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services Jane Prentice, and NSW Minister for Disability Services John Ajaka officially opened the 2016 Nepean Disability Expo in Penrith today.
The Nepean Disability Expo is a two-day event that brings together disability service providers with people living with disability, their families and carers with the aim of getting them ready for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Minister Prentice said the Expo plays an important role in empowering people who are transitioning to the NDIS by providing the latest information and support options available to them.
“The NDIS is a once-in-a-lifetime reform for people with disability in Australia, giving them choice and control over their lives and the disability supports they receive,” Mrs Prentice said.
Minister Ajaka said the theme of this year’s Expo, “Real Choice – Getting NDIS Ready”, was fitting as the NDIS is currently being rolled out fully in the Nepean area.
“Under the NDIS, people with disability will be able to realise their potential and live life their way,” Mr Ajaka said.
“There are over 100 exhibitors here today providing information and advice which is really encouraging for NDIS participants,” Mr Ajaka said.
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres was pleased that the Nepean region was continuing to receive such tremendous support from the Commonwealth and State Governments, and has already seen the positive effects the NDIS is having on people with disability in the area.
“The NDIS is already changing the lives of people with disability in the Nepean Blue Mountains. I am very pleased to see on-going support for the people living in the area as they prepare to transition to the NDIS,” Mr Ayres said.
The National Disability Insurance Agency estimates the NDIS in the Nepean Blue Mountains will support 8,000 people with disability – an increase of 3,300 people, as well as create an extra 1,450 jobs.
For further information about the NDIS, visit www.ndis.nsw.gov.au
