Members of the National Disability Insurance Agency, along with Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis hosted the session for people with disability, their families, carers and community members.

Following an information briefing, a lively forum discussion took place.

Members of the public voiced their concerns including the time it takes for quotes to process, communication issues, costs and access to therapy or equipment, improving quality of life, independent living and accessing work.

One issue with the NDIS that concerned Mrs Sudmalis was the registration plan process between clients, planners and the government.

She said a trial to improve the process was taking place elsewhere.

What were trying to get changed, and theyre very happy with that, is to get their plan to go back to them [clients] first before it goes to government for approval, which means were going to cut out some of this dreadful backlog of review and bad decision-making in the beginning, Mrs Sudmalis said.

The coordinators and planners have to take the plan they develop back to the clients and the carers before they register it with the government, so that they [clients and carers] get a chance to review it before it's officially ticked off.

Mrs Sudmalis also encouraged the forum to write about their concerns about a shortage of carers.

I will pass the emails along to government to say how can we address this major shortage that we are going to be facing within the next three years. I invite everybody to write to me on that matter.

Kings Point resident Cameron McMullen was one attendee who said the NDIS had improved his quality of life.

As a result of a diving accident seven years ago, Mr McMullen has c5, c6 complete quadriplegia.

He said before the NDIS he was only funded for 28 hours of care a week. Now, he has a lot more funding for support in regards to assistance with shopping, driving, gardening and house cleaning.

I dont have to rely on friends anymore to do gardening, help out, build stuff, whatever, Mr McMullen said.

Pretty much can do it all, well not by myself, but I dont have to rely on friends anymore so thats one of the best goals Ive had.

I can see other people who havent been as well off as I have, but in my circumstance, and I can only speak for myself, its been unreal.

Further NDIS sessions will be held in Nowra, from 1pm to 3pm at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, and Kiama, from 4pm to 6pm at the Kiama Leagues Club on Friday, May 4.