The ACT was yesterday announced one of three states and territories to take part in a three-year trial for the scheme - which seeks to overhaul historic inequities in access to care.

The ACT is expected to contribute between $6 million-$8 million in the first year of the trial, which will begin in 2014. The Commonwealth is expected to contribute $10 million.

The NDIS will see more emphasis on people with disabilities being given access with funds to spend on services of their choice.

Robert Altamore, executive officer of People with Disabilities ACT, said his organisation was pleased Canberra would be one of the launch sites for the scheme.

''This makes it even more urgent for the ACT to implement the roll-out of programs to equip people with disabilities with the skills they need to make decisions and choices and manage their own funds and services,'' he said.

Mr Altamore, who was born blind and has been involved with disability advocacy for decades, said the insurance scheme could make a positive difference to the lives of many people.

''People with disabilities and the programs are going to be more front of mind for our politicians and for the general community,'' he said.

''The NDIS is the most significant thing to happen in disability since 1986 when the Disability Services Act came in.''

The chief executive of the National Disability Service, Ken Baker, said it was good news the ACT was taking part in the trial but it was disappointing NSW and Victoria had not joined up. ''It's disappointing the Commonwealth hasn't been able to secure a deal with the larger states because it makes the testing of the scheme more robust and ensures it is refined and any flaws are ironed out.''

Mr Baker said while initial agreement had been reached ''it doesn't mean we can sit back and wait for it to happen''.

He said there was still much hard work to be completed in designing the scheme and in the ACT developing its workforce capacity and service organisations to ensure the scheme could be rolled out.

Currently 1400 people are accessing the highest level of disability support in the ACT, with the trial expanding access to up to 3400 more people over three years.

But Mr Baker, whose wife has a disability, said the trial had the potential to allow people with disabilities to achieve life goals and ''not live at a reduced capacity''.

''People in the ACT are very excited and very encouraged, but also anxious because this is a major change, and we don't know fully what it means.''

The ACT Council of Social Services also welcomed the ACT's participation in the trial, with acting director Kiki Korpinen saying it would mean people with disabilities in the ACT could have access to a greater range of support services. ''We look forward to working with government and hearing details of how this is going to be rolled out,'' she said.