When Susan Wallis's daughter Gracie needed a ceiling hoist to help her move around their Woonona home, the Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare provided funding.
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But it only funded the motor for the hoist and part of the track.
It did not provide funding for curved sections of the track, which would allow Gracie to move to other rooms, or the sling that she would sit in.
"It was the most ridiculous decision ever," Ms Wallis said.
"We were fortunate Kids Fund gave us the rest of the money."
Ms Wallis said the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding announced on Wednesday by Prime Minister Julia Gillard would give her family the freedom to decide how to spend the money they needed to support seven-year-old Gracie.
"It will mean no more going begging, cap in hand," she said.
"That's how we feel. These things should be basic rights."
Gracie has severe and multiple disabilities, which mean she is developmentally about six months old.
"I'm going to be looking after a baby for the next 25 years," Ms Wallis said.
"I don't see this as a burden; she's an absolute delight and lights up everybody's world. The NDIS is improving our quality of life."
The new scheme will help the Wallis family cover the costs of Gracie's equipment like her wheelchair, ceiling hoist and bath aids, much of which needs replacing every three to five years.
Gracie goes to school at Para Meadows and Ms Wallis said Gracie's graduation from school would be a big challenge.
"With the NDIS we can design our own post-school options instead of being pigeon-holed into something that is not suitable," she said.
Ms Wallis said she expected some people in the community to oppose paying more for the Medicare levy to fund the NDIS.
"One in five people are already affected by disability," she said.
"They're not adequately serviced. There are people [who need assistance] in second-storey apartments who get one shower per week because that's all they're funded for. If a man turns up to assist a woman to shower and she is not comfortable with that arrangement, she can either let him help her or sit in her own filth for another week."
Ms Wallis said the NDIS would allow a person with a disability in that situation to hire their own staff with whom they were comfortable.
"The Medicare levy is fantastic, but it is only expected to raise $3 billion," she said.
"My concern is the $5 billion shortfall."
