The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, has welcomed the Disability Act, which came into effect today.
The act entitles people with disabilities to an independent assessment of their health and educational needs up to the age of five.
A system of complaints and appeals has also been put into place.
The minister said it was a significant step towards enhancing the level of support to people with disabilities, and that it would give an accurate picture of service provision and of areas for improvement.
However, a recent report by the Health Research Board found that almost 15,000 people with physical or sensory disabilities are currently waiting for assessments for therapeutic services or rehabilitation.
A number of groups representing the disabled have questioned whether the new act will lead to a cut in waiting times.
