An Illawarra disability group has applauded the passing of amendments to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) bill through the lower house.
A range of changes to the bill, including one allowing the scheme to conduct compensation claims on behalf of disabled people, are expected to go before the Senate this week.
Margaret Bowen, chief executive of The Disability Trust, said the move marked a historic day in the step towards a NDIS.
"It is exciting to see the NDIS getting closer and closer to a reality," she said.
"The NDIS will be one of the biggest improvements to the lives of people with a disability in our community in Australia's history, it can't happen soon enough."
One of the key amendments allows participants to remain in the scheme after they turn 65, rather than default to aged care.
People who need early intervention therapies or support who are not better supported by another system can also access the NDIS.
The NDIS will complement the aged care system to ensure people with a disability, older people, their families and carers get the support they need.
Another amendment would allow the NDIS Launch Transition Agency to conduct legal proceedings on behalf of a person with a disability. This could apply where harm has been caused by a company's negligence so the taxpayer need not foot the bill.
The full NDIS, when introduced after a trial period, will cover all Australians with a disability.
The Disability Trust will be among Illawarra service providers attending a disability management masterclass with Peter Brinckerhoff, a renowned trainer, author and consultant to non-profit organisations, who will offer advice on preparing for the NDIS at a seminar on Thursday.