Intellectual/Developmental

Funding for support in your NDIS Plan with an Intellectual Disability

Support can be funded in your NDIS plan in a variety of ways. You can have funding for drop-in support, support to engage in the community, support based at home for all of your activities, support at a day program etc.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is typically required in the home for participants who have high support needs due to their moderate, severe or profound intellectual disabilities.

To be eligible for funding for support, you must meet the NDIS eligibility criteria. This resource focuses on SIL and the eligibility requirements for SIL.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) Eligibility

The NDIS has eligibility criteria that must be met by the funding for any support to be included in your NDIS plan. This includes SIL.

You are required to demonstrate eligibility for SIL before receiving funding for your in-home support needs.

SIL is typically funded for those who require support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including overnight support. To be eligible for SIL, you must require direct support for 8 or more hours.

The support you require must relate directly to your intellectual disability and any other conditions recognised by the NDIS.

What if I don't require 24/7 support?

If you do not require such a high intensity of support, SIL might not be the right model of care for you. Consider exploring drop-in supports, or Individualised Living Options (ILO).

Is Supported Independent Living (SIL) Reasonable and Necessary?

Eligibility for SIL must meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria. The reasonable and necessary criteria involve definitions and rules set by the NDIS which they must consider when approving or declining funded supports.

The NDIS will consider the following when approving or declining SIL:

1. Goals

SIL will assist you to pursue and achieve the goals in your plan.

2. Social & Economic Participation

SIL will assist you in undertaking activities to facilitate your social and economic participation.

3. Value for Money

The SIL model of care requested represents value for money. This means the cost of the recommended SIL supports is considered reasonable relative to both the benefits achieved and the cost of alternative supports.

4. Effective and Beneficial

SIL will be effective and beneficial for you. This means it will meet your needs related to your intellectual disability. Your lived experience in previous SIL settings or short-term accommodation (STA) will help in justifying this requirement.

5. Reasonable Expectations for Your Family and Informal Supports

Funding of SIL takes account of what it is reasonable to expect families, carers, informal networks, and the community to provide. They consider your existing supports available, and what must be provided by a SIL provider, in order for your needs to be met.

Intellectual disability can result in lifelong physical, cognitive, and emotional difficulties. You can also experience a wide range of co-occurring conditions. 

The impact of your disability and secondary health conditions can be used to justify how it is not considered reasonable to expect family members to cater to your support needs over the long term.

6. Related to NDIS & Your Disability

SIL is most appropriately funded or provided through the NDIS, instead of another funding body available. This means the need for SIL relates directly to your disability and your in-home support needs.

The NDIS also considers what other supports you need in your home, and how these supports will all work together to ensure SIL is the most appropriate support.

For an easy-to-understand breakdown of reasonable and necessary from MyCareSpace, see here:

What does the NDIS consider when approving funding for Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

The NDIS considers a range of factors when determining if SIL is reasonable and necessary to fund for you. Considerations include:

• your current situation, goals, and aspirations
• where you live now and your future home and living goals
• your independent living skills and potential to build on these
• supports you need to achieve your home and living goals
• information about your day-to-day support needs
• any alternative home and living options

This is outlined in the SIL Operational Guidelines by the NDIS.

The NDIS will review any reports from allied health professionals or providers that are submitted to them as part of your application for SIL. 

The most sought-after assessment is a Functional Capacity Assessment, completed by an Occupational Therapist (OT). Following the assessment, the OT will prepare a Functional Capacity Assessment Report that also includes recommendations specific to SIL.

The NDIS to not provide a template for therapists to complete a SIL report. Each OT provider has their own template and assessment process. For this reason, it may also be called a SIL Assessment, Support Needs Assessment, or Housing Assessment.

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment is an in-depth assessment completed by an OT with you in your home. The assessment addresses every aspect of your day-to-day life.

A report is completed following the assessment which outlines your daily life, and difficulties experienced related to your disability and support needs.

The report includes recommendations for NDIS support and services you require to address any challenges and goals you wish to achieve.

How does a Functional Capacity Assessment for SIL differ from a standard Functional Capacity Assessment?

A quality assessment completed by an OT for SIL should include specific details and recommendations regarding your support needs across all of your daily activities and routines. Across every activity you engage in, the report should provide detail on:

• The ratio of support required (how many people are involved in your care)
• The intensity of support required (the type of care quality necessary based on your needs)
• The best context for this support to succeed (the model of care best suited to you - who you live with, where you live etc.)

The report should include details on what support you require across the day and overnight. The report must refer to your informal supports (family and friends), and how they are unable to meet all of your daily living needs, which means that SIL is necessary for you.

The report should reference SIL eligibility, which includes the reasonable and necessary criteria, as discussed above.

When working with an OT for a SIL assessment, it is important to feel assured that they are skilled in this area and are confident in recommending SIL for you.

If they determine SIL may not be the best support model for you, they should discuss this with you during or following the assessment, particularly if they anticipate the NDIS will be unlikely to approve SIL funding. 

Remember, ultimately the decision to approve and decline SIL is the role of the NDIS. The role of the OT is to present evidence of your disability and provide recommendations, concerning relevant legislation so that the NDIS can decide funded supports.

How can I get a Functional Capacity Assessment for SIL?

To find an Occupational Therapist who is experienced in completing a Functional Capacity Assessment for SIL for people with Intellectual Disabilities, reach out to our Connections Team.

This FREE service can connect you with an OT in your area.

Request a SIL Assessment

Submitting evidence to the NDIS for SIL

Once your Functional Capacity Assessment has been completed and you have your report which includes recommendations for SIL, you may consider what other evidence is required to submit to the NDIS.

The more justification you provide that illustrates your support needs and need for SIL, the more evidence the NDIS have available to consider when approving SIL in your NDIS Plan.

Other information prepared by family members, carers, or yourself may help communicate your needs, and how insufficient access to support may impact your health, well-being and quality of life.

This is often described as an Impact Statement - click to find out more.

The final step is to prepare and submit a Home and Living Request to the NDIS.

Submitting a Home and Living Request for SIL

To request SIL funding, you are required as mentioned above to submit a Home and Living Request.

This involves preparing a supporting evidence form which you can download here.

The form can be completed and submitted in one of the following ways:

• within 100 days of your NDIS plan end date, for consideration during a scheduled plan reassessment
• with a Change of Details or Change of Situation Form
• with a Request for a Review of a Decision Form

The form will help participants to select the correct option based on their current needs. 

If you have a Support Coordinator, they can assist you in completing and submitting the form by one of the following methods:

• Via email to: [email protected]
• Via mail to: NDIA, GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601
• In person at your local NDIS or partner office. 

Ensure the submission also includes the Home and Living Form, as well as any reports prepared by yourself, carers or health professionals. This includes the OT Functional Capacity Assessment with Recommendations for SIL.

The NDIS will review all documents provided to decide whether to fund SIL. You will typically be informed of their decision via email. If SIL is approved, this will likely result in the generation of a new NDIS plan. If SIL is declined, you will be offered the opportunity to have this decision reviewed.

How do I find a SIL provider in my area?

When SIL is approved in your plan, you will be provided with a sum of funding for SIL in your Core Support budget.

You are not automatically allocated to a Provider and have choice and control over which provider you engage with for SIL.

Need help finding a SIL provider? Get in touch with the MyCareSpace Connections Team for assistance navigating the NDIS and finding a SIL provider in your area.

Find A SIL Provider

What is an Intellectual Disability?

An intellectual disability affects how a person thinks, learns and processes information.

It is a permanent and life-long disability that results in difficulties across a range of areas related to understanding, communicating, socialising and emotions.

In Australia, there are about 450,000 people with an intellectual disability.

Can you receive NDIS funding for an Intellectual Disability?

If you have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability, you may be able to access NDIS funding if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Funding can be used to support your needs directly related to your intellectual disability.

Intellectual Disability and NDIS Statistics

The following information has been collected by the NDIS and is up to date as of June 2023:

15% of the 610,502 active participants in the NDIS have a primary disability of an intellectual disability, making it the second most common disability for NDIS participants.

47% of participants with an intellectual disability are aged under 25 years.

57% of participants with an intellectual disability are male.

In the year ending June 2023:

89% of access decisions for applicants with an intellectual disability aged 18 years and under resulted in the applicant joining the Scheme, compared to 77% for those aged over 18 years. 

$98,100 was the average payment for a participant with an intellectual disability, an increase of 13% compared to the previous year

The number of participants with an intellectual disability has increased by 6% and 5% in the last two years.

These trends show that funded support for people with intellectual disabilities is increasing.

Childhood supports for Intellectual Disability is funded by the NDIS

Early Childhood Supports (EC) are available to children younger than 6 with developmental delays or children younger than 9 with disability.

Children younger than 6 do not need a diagnosis to get support through the NDIS early childhood approach where there are concerns about their development.

The support provided involves funding for capacity building supports in early childhood, including a key worker. Learn about the keyworker model in the NDIS here.

Funded supports are available for a child with developmental delay or disability and their family or carers across the following settings:

• Home
• Community
• Early childhood education settings

The goal for early childhood support services is to work towards increased functional independence and social participation.

This approach aligns with research that finds early intervention can improve outcomes for children and families by targeting the circumstances that make supporting children's development difficult.

Therapy Supports (9 or older) for Intellectual Disability funded by the NDIS

Therapy supports are available for participants aged 9 and over with an established and diagnosed disability. 

The goal of therapy is to facilitate functional improvement where there is no more scope from a medical perspective to improve health and function.

Therapy or capacity building can seek to address your goals and build your independence across areas of your life that are meaningful to you.

What therapy services can I access using my NDIS funding?

The following therapists and supports relevant to your intellectual disability which you may be able to access using your NDIS funding:

• Art Therapist
• Counsellor
• Developmental Educator
• Dietitian
• Exercise Physiologist
• Music Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Podiatrist
• Psychologist
• Rehabilitation Counsellor
• Social Worker
• Speech Pathologist

There are also other professionals, described by the NDIA as a person who are not one of the types of professionals listed above but who the provider considers to be an appropriate professional to deliver therapeutic supports in line with the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission’s requirements for the Therapeutic Supports Registration Group.

What other services can I access with NDIS funding?

NDIS funding is also available for other services outside of therapy. This includes day to day support provided by a support worker or support service.

If the support needs is related to your disability, you can access funding for a support worker to assist with:

• Self-care routines
• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Shopping
• Transport
• Programs and activities

These are just some examples of supports and services you can access using your NDIS funding related to your disability.

Our MyCareSpace Connections Team can help you navigate the NDIS and connect you with the services you need.

Get Started
 

Intellectual Disability

An intellectual disability affects how a person thinks, learns and processes information.

An intellectual disability can result in difficulties in a range of areas related to understanding, communicating, socialising and emotions. Intellectual disability is identified as mild, moderate or severe. This is reflected in someone’s level of independence and reliance on others.

What causes an Intellectual Disability?

There are many different causes of intellectual disability. 

A person may be born with an intellectual disability, or it can develop before the age of 18.

An intellectual disability may be caused by a genetic disorder such as:

• Down Syndrome
• Fragile X Syndrome
• Williams Syndrome
• Prader-Willi Syndrome

An intellectual disability may develop following a childhood illness such as:

• Meningitis
• Whooping cough or measles

Alternatively, an intellectual disability may be the result of trauma experienced at birth that may have involved a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can occur when a child is born with or develops cerebral palsy.

Other factors that may contribute to an intellectual disability include exposure to toxins, brain malformation, maternal disease, infection or environmental influences, such as exposure to alcohol or drugs in utero.

What are the Early Signs of Intellectual Disability?

Usually, an intellectual disability in a child is detected when they are delayed in achieving their developmental milestones. 

What are developmental milestones? 

These are a range of age-specific skills and behaviours demonstrated by a child as they grow. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move.

A child with an intellectual disability may demonstrate difficulties with the following milestones:

• Sitting up, crawling and walking
• Speaking
• Memory
• Interacting with others
• Problem solving
• Insight and understanding consequences

How does Intellectual Disability impact adolescents and adults?

As you grow up, you typically develop adaptive functioning skills or adaptive behaviours. There are a set of skills that are required for people to manage the demands of everyday living and interact with others.

Growing up with an intellectual disability will impact how you develop adaptive functioning skills in line with your peers.

Adaptive functioning skills can be classified into three areas: conceptual, social and practical:

• Conceptual – language, reading, writing, mathematics, knowledge, memory, insight
• Social – empathy, communication skills, social judgement, following rules, understanding norms and the ability to develop and maintain friendships
• Practical – independence in areas such as maintaining personal care, employment responsibilities, financial management, self-organisation across school, work and personal life

Your intellectual functioning is also impacted by an intellectual disability. This relates to intelligence and executive functioning skills.

This may impact your ability to learn new skills related to caring for yourself and your performance at school and work.

Early Intervention for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Research suggests that early intervention is playing an increasingly prominent role in benefitting children with intellectual disabilities.

It is anticipated that early intervention will enhance the development of young children exhibiting intellectual delays.

Who provides early intervention for children with intellectual disabilities?

Early intervention for intellectual disabilities is provided by qualified allied health professionals, such as:

• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Pathologist
• Psychologist
• Social Worker

Under the NDIS, there are other early childhood support professionals that can be explored, such as:

• Developmental Educator
• Early Childhood Teacher or Educator
• Early Childhood Therapy Assistant
• Early Childhood Counsellor
• Keyworker

Learn more about keyworker services here: Keyworker in the NDIS

More information about early childhood support funded by the NDIS is availabile an upcoming resource. Stay tuned!

Can children, teens and adults with an intellectual disability access therapy?

Certainly! Capacity building intervention provided by an allied health therapist can be beneficial across the lifespan.

A qualified therapist can assist you to develop daily living skills and implement strategies to make meaningful tasks easier for you to complete. 

The therapist will always start their involvement by completing an assessment to ensure that the intervention provided is tailored to your specific needs.

The assessment can span from one to several appointments and typically includes a report which details assessment findings and recommendations.

How do I find an early intervention provider?

The Connections Team at MyCareSpace can help you to navigate the NDIS and find an early intervention provider with capacity.

Get Started

How do I find a therapist for a child, teenager or adult with an intellectual disability?

At MyCareSpace, we are connected with many therapy providers. More importantly, we monitor their capacity real-time could be the perfect match for you. Let us help you navigate the NDIS and find the therapist you need.

Get Started

People with intellectual disability experience barriers to making decisions in their pregnancy.

Some people believe people with intellectual disability cannot make decisions about becoming a parent.

We know people with intellectual disability can make decisions about their pregnancy but having access to good, accessible, inclusive information is important, as well as opportunities to be supported in their decision making, as they best want.

This set of resources called ‘Your Pregnancy, Your Choices’ is intended to facilitate discussions about making important decisions in pregnancy. They can be used by pregnant people with intellectual disability, family members and health care professionals.

The resources were co-designed with women with intellectual disability who were pregnant or who had had a baby.

Please share the resources below

1. Your Pregnancy Your Choices - A Guide for SUPPORTERS
   This is a comprehensive guide for supporters on how to use these resources to support someone with an Intellectual Disability that is having a baby. 
   Download
    
2. A two-way communication card
   This two-way communication card is intended to be a way in which the pregnant person can decide and communicate the best way they would like to receive information from you and their supporting medical staff. 
   Download
    
3. Taking medications during your pregnancy
   This resource covers the challenges (and changes) that pregnant women face when they are already taking medication before falling pregnant
   Download
    
4. Different ways for you to be cared for when you are pregnant 
   This resource explores different antenatal care options – what they are and their differences
   Download
    
5. Things that help with pain when you are having a baby
   This resource covers birth pain relief options – their risks and advantages and your choices
   Download

This series of resources was developed by Northcott Innovation and disAbility Maternity Care as a project titled:  ‘Supported Decision Making for Women with Intellectual Disability During Pregnancy’ funded by the Council for Intellectual Disability.

Feedback!

Please send the creators of this content your feedback…

They want to know if the resources are working well … or not!

Contact them at:
E: [email protected]
P: 0428 171 326

What is the NDIS?

The NDIS stands for National Disability Insurance Scheme. It was first introduced in 2013 and its goal was to replace all other Australian Government disability funding schemes. 

The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with permanent and significant disability for any "reasonable and necessary" supports that give them greater independence, access to the community, and an improved quality of life. T

It aims to provide people living with a disability access to new skills, jobs, or social opportunities.

By 2026, the NDIS now supports over 740,000 Australians with disability (both adults and children) to access the services and supports they need. 

Funding is allocated to the individual, and the individual or their guardian chooses which providers supply the funded goods and services (subject to certain restrictions).

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

You are eligible for NDIS funding if you meet the following 'NDIS Access Criteria':

1. You are aged between 9 and 65 years (If you have a child younger than 9, an NDIS early childhood partner can provide support to children before they apply, and let families know if the NDIS is right for their child)
2. You are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
3. You live in Australia
4. You have a disability caused by a permanent impairment (lifelong disability)

What does it mean to have a 'lifelong disability'?

Your disability is considered lifelong if the following conditions are met:

• Your disability is caused by an impairment.

  In other words, a loss or significant change in at least one of: 

  • your body’s functions - for example your neurological functioning
  • your body structure - for example a physical disability or sensory disability
  • how you think and learn - for example an intellectual or cognitive disability
     
• You may also be eligible for the NDIS if you have a psychosocial disability. This means you have reduced capacity to do daily life activities and tasks due to your mental health.
   
• Your impairment is likely to be permanent
   
• Your permanent impairment substantially reduces your functional capacity to undertake one or more of the following activities:
  • moving around,
  • communicating,
  • socialising,
  • learning, or
  • undertaking self-care or self-management tasks.
     
• Your permanent impairment affects your ability to work, study or take part in social life.
   
• You’ll likely need support under the NDIS for your whole life.

Note: If you give the NDIS evidence you have been diagnosed with one or more conditions on the NDIS List A, we’ll likely decide you meet the disability requirements.

Do I have to be born with a disability?

No, it doesn’t matter what caused your impairment. You may have been born with it, or acquired it from an injury, accident or health condition.

It also doesn’t matter if you have one impairment or more than one impairment.

What does it mean when you say my impairment must likely to be permanent?

The NDIS needs evidence that you’ll likely have your impairment for your whole life.

You might have some periods in your life where there is a smaller impact on your daily life, because your impairment may be episodic or fluctuate in intensity. That is ok.

Your impairment can still be permanent due to the overall impact on your life, and the likelihood that you will be impacted across your lifetime. 

Even when your condition or diagnosis is permanent, the NDIS will check if your impairment is permanent too.

For example, you may not be eligible if your impairment is temporary, still being treated, or if there are remaining treatment options.

Generally, the NDIS consider whether your impairment is likely to be permanent after all available and appropriate treatment options have been pursued.

If you give the NDIS evidence you have been diagnosed with a condition on the NDIS List B, the NDIS will likely decide your disability is from an impairment that’s likely to be permanent.

Will the NDIS fund treatment for your disability?

The NDIS won’t fund support to treat your impairment.

Instead, the supports they fund can help you reduce or overcome the impact your impairment has on your daily life.

They will fund supports to help you increase your functional capacity, independence, and your ability to work, study or take part in social life.

Your impairment will likely be permanent if your treating professional gives the NDIS evidence that indicates there are no further treatments that could relieve or cure it.

Your treating professional will tell us or be asked to certify if there are medical, clinical or other treatments that are likely to remedy your impairment.

Things to Note about how the NDIS defines treatment:

• The NDIS refers to "treatment" in the broadest sense and includes any changes to your diet and lifestyle. So, for example, conditions such as obesity are unlikely to be found to be permanent. 
• If you’re still undergoing or have recently had treatment, the NDIS will need to wait until you know the outcome of the treatment before they can decide your impairment is likely to be permanent. 
• In some situations, it may be clear your impairment is likely to be permanent while you’re still undergoing treatment or rehabilitation. For example, you may still need treatment and rehabilitation for a spinal cord injury, but it’s clear you’ll have a permanent impairment.
• You might still have a permanent impairment, even if its effects may change over time. 

Am I eligible for the NDIS if I have a degenerative impairment?

Degenerative impairments like Alzheimers,  Huntington's disease,  Multiple sclerosis and others that are expected to get worse over time, are considered permanent if treatment is unlikely to help or improve the impairment’s effects. 

This is especially the case if you usually need disability-specific supports to complete daily life activities.

Do I need to prove my disability every year to keep my NDIS funding?

We've all heard horror stories of LACS asking if a participant if they still have Down Syndrome. Here's the truth:

If you meet the disability requirements, it’s likely you’ll need the NDIS for a long time. This means you won’t have to prove your disability every time we reassess your plan. 

If at any time your disability support needs or situation changes, we many need to check your supports or NDIS eligibility. 

How do I apply for the NDIS?

See our resource on how to apply for the NDIS.

Sources:

• NDIS Guidelines on Eligibility
• NDIS - Am I eligible?
• NDIS Early Childhood Approach
• Connecting with an NDIS Early Childhood Partner

First things first...

You are the expert!

You may have a very clear idea of what assistive technology you want and what you need.

Of course you do! You are the expert in your own life and your own needs.

It can be exhausting having to explain what you need time again to the different service providers who come into your home and ask you a million questions. These assessments are completed by allied health professionals, also known as therapists or AT assessors, in order to identify and analyse your support needs and provide recommendations.

But are all the questions and conversations needed every time you need one small thing?

Is the assessment necessary?

Question: Is it always necessary to undergo an assessment every time you need a new item related to your disability?

Answer: Not necessarily! It may be that you can proceed with purchasing assistive technology without therapist input at all!

Considerations for purchasing assistive technology without a therapist

STEP 1 - First you must consider:

• Is the item low cost i.e. under $1500?
• Is the item something I need that relates to my disability?
• Does it align with my NDIS goals?

STEP 2 - If so, you may be able to purchase assistive technology using your NDIS funding without any extra steps. Before proceeding, you must consider:

• Do I need input from a therapist to determine that this product is right for me?
• Does the item require set-up and training from a therapist, or can I manage this myself?
• What are the risks associated with the item? Could there be potential for harm?

Following Step 1, if you find you do not need any input from an allied health provider for assessment, prescription, set up or training, and risks involving use of the product are deemed to be low, you should be able to proceed with purchasing this low cost item.

How to purchase low-cost assistive technology when an assessment isn’t required?

1. Do you have the funding?

• Assistive Technology - this budget located in Capital Supports may be available for you to purchase low cost items. Read the description next to the total amount allocated. View more information on purchasing low cost assistive technology and consumables here.
• Consumables - this budget located in Core Supports can also be used to purchase low cost items. Again, review the description in yoyr plan and check the funding amount available.

2. Request an invoice:

Request an invoice from the assistive technology supplier who sells the item you need by providing the following details:

• Name
• NDIS number
• Contact details
• Address and delivery instructions (parking availability & access to your home - this will indicate to the supplier if they need more than one person to attend delivery and set up the item depending on size/weight of your purchase).

Ensure the document received is formatted as an invoice, tax invoice or proforma invoice. One of these descriptions should be the stated heading on the top of the document. If it is a quote, it may not be able to be processed by a Plan Manager.

There will be a delivery fee and sometimes a set-up fee included in the invoice. Your NDIS funding can be used to cover this cost.

3. Arrange payment:

Arrange payment according to how your NDIS funding is managed. The Self, Plan and NDIS Management Guide provides further detail.

Keep in mind that some plan managers may require a letter of recommendation from a therapist. If this is the case, review the steps below.

When is input needed from a therapist for assistive technology?

Consider the following factors:

• Is the item mid or high cost i.e. between $1500 - $15,000 or $15,000+
• Do applications/reports need to be completed for the item?
• Do I need specialist input from a therapist to assess my needs for this item?
• Is set-up and follow-up training required to use the item?
• Is there a level of risk that needs to be addressed and managed by a therapist?

If the answer is YES to one or more of the questions above, you will require a therapist to complete an assessment for the prescription of the item. 

What kind of therapist can prescribe assistive technology?

There are a broad range of therapists working in the NDIS. Therapists who prescribe assistive technology may be a:

• Physiotherapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Pathologist
• Exercise Physiologist
• Behavioural Support Practitioner
• Psychologist

Within each discipline, therapists have varying skill levels, training and specialities.

The MyCareSpace Connections Team can find a therapist for you in your local area with availability.

Get started

How do I find the right therapist for me?

Some questions to ask yourself when connecting with a therapist to prescribe your assistive technology include:

• Is the item relevant to their profession? You would seek advice about a mobility aid from a Physiotherapist/Exercise Physiologist, or sometimes an Occupational Therapist, but not a Speech Pathologist. Is this therapist the most skilled clinician to prescribe the item?
• Does the therapist have the skills? Ask about their experience prescribing this item with other participants. Ask about the assessment and prescription process. Do they have any success stories to share?
• What is their product knowledge? Ask about the different products they may consider to support you in addressing the specific need being addressed. Do they have one or more potential solutions that could be trialled?
• Do they have the connections? Are they linked in with a small or wide range of equipment suppliers? What are the benefits and disadvantages of each supplier?
• Do they have the right mentality? Ultimately, you need to find a therapist that aligns with your values and who you can trust. Implementing assistive technology often involves regular and ongoing input from the prescribing therapist. It is important to find someone who you get along with.

By gathering information about the therapist's skills and capabilities, you place yourself in the best position to determine if they are the right therapist for you.

What is the assistive technology prescription process?

Your therapist will guide you through the assistive technology prescription process. They will typically complete the following steps:

1. Facilitate one or more assistive technology trials
2. Liaise with the equipment supplier, including obtaining an itemised quote
3. Complete product research
4. Prepare an assistive technology report
5. Provide you with a copy of the report prior to submission to review, provide feedback and prompt for you to provide signed consent for the NDIA to contact them as the prescribing therapist if needed throughout the approval process
6. Submit the application (AT report and quote) to the NDIA
7. Once approved, facilitate delivery and set up alongside the assistive technology provider
8. Provide any necessary follow-up implementation and training support

Every assistive technology assessment is unique to the individual. The assessment of the assistive technology must consider the individual, the activity, the environment and the context. For this reason, several trials may be required, across one or several environments. This depends on where it is intended for the assistive technology to be used. For example, it is important to trial a wheelchair in the home and in the community if these are the settings it will be used across.

Remember, you may not find one piece of assistive technology that meets all your needs. Sometimes a range of assistive technology is required to address a range of your needs across various activities or settings. For example, a compact folding mobility scooter will perform well in a flat shopping centre environment, but may not manage an outdoor hilly footpath.

Your therapist will consider all options in light of your needs following their initial assessment and throughout the trial phase. It is important that the prescribed assistive technology will make your life better!

How do I access a therapist to prescribe assistive technology?

The MyCareSpace Connections Team can help you to find the right therapist for you.

Get started

Alternatively, view the MyCareSpace Directory for a range of allied health providers who may be able to support you.

What is Assistive Technology

Assistive technology also referred to as AT, may be a device or item of equipment that helps you perform a task in your daily life.

To learn more, view our Understand Assistive Technology resource.

Assistive technology is classified into three levels:

• Low-cost assistive technology: under $1,500 per item

• Mid-cost assistive technology: between $1,500 - $15,000 per item

• High-cost assistive technology: over $15,000 per item

Learn more about the Different Levels of Assistive Technology here.

There are different methods to purchase assistive technology depending on whether the item is low, mid or high cost. You also need to consider the level of risk of the assistive technology.

Some assistive technology purchases require NDIS approval, and some purchases do not. The following factors must be considered:

• What is the cost of the item?
• Is the item specifically stated in my plan?
• Have I been allocated funding for the item in my plan?
• Is the item considered low risk or high risk?

Let’s break it down…

How to purchase Low Cost Assistive Technology

Low cost assistive technology is the least complicated to navigate, as purchasing low cost technology does not require NDIA approval. On some occasions, you may need to seek advice from the NDIA for low cost purchases.

Funding for low cost technology is allocated in either your:

• Consumables budget, located in your Core Support budget
• Assistive Technology budget, located in your Capital Support budget

Tip: If your Consumables and/or Assistive Technology budget are NDIA Managed, you must use an NDIS registered assistive technology provider. If self or plan managed, this is not a requirement. In your NDIS Plan you will find a description of how each budget is managed. Refer to the bolded description at the bottom of the budget. The example below displays that Core Support funding will be plan managed:

Below are the steps to purchase low cost assistive technology. This is the process for low risk assistive technology only. High risk assistive technology requires more intensive input from a relevant therapist.

Planning for Low Cost Assistive Technology

When exploring low cost assistive technology options, complete the following:

1. Consider what you have difficulty with in day to day life, and where aids or devices may help to increase your independence or make a task easier.
2. Discuss these difficulties with a therapist (i.e. Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologist, Physiotherapist etc) who will identify some assistive technology solutions OR 
3. Determine the assistive technology you require through your own research.

​Trial of Low Cost Assistive Technology

While completing a trial low cost assistive technology is not essential, it is a useful step to include to ensure the item meets your needs. A trial can occur:

• At your home
• At an assistive technology showroom
• In the community

Trialing a range of similar products with different features helps to narrow down what is best suited for you and is specific to your disability-related needs.

How to arrange a trial of low cost assistive technology items:

1. Once you have identified the assistive technology you wish to explore, contact the assistive technology supplier who stocks the items that you are interested in. Their phone and email contact details are typically stated on their website. Some suppliers may have an online request form on their website that they prefer you to complete.

2. Provide relevant details via email or in the trial request form. An example email request submission has been provided below.

3. In your email or the online form, specify the assistive technology items you wish to trial. It is helpful to include the product code, often displayed as an SKU, from the suppliers website. Here is an example:

4. Consider the location when scheduling a trial. A trial at home is helpful to ensure the product is suited to your environment i.e. shower chair or shower stool trialled in your shower recess. A community-based trial is necessary for items you intend to use when out and about i.e. four-point walking stick or four wheeled walker at your local shops you visit each week. A showroom trial is beneficial when exploring a wide range of options.

Example Trial Request Email

If you are involved with a therapist, they will complete the above steps on your behalf, including coordinating and facilitating the trial.

Invoice for Low Cost Assistive Technology

Once you have selected the assistive technology you wish to purchase, request a PDF invoice of the item/s from your preferred assistive technology supplier. An invoice will display the individaul and total cost of the items, as well as a delivery/set up fee.

Why an invoice instead of a quote?

Some Plan Managers have difficulty processing quotes. Instead of the heading “quote”, make sure you see one of the following headings:

• Invoice
• Tax Invoice
• Proforma invoice

If you are provided with a quote, request for it to be converted into an invoice. Ensure the supplier payment details are also included somewhere on the invoice, usually at the bottom of the document.

Paying for Low Cost Assistive Technology

The method of payment for low cost assistive technology will depend on how your funding is managed. Your funds can be managed the following ways:

• Self Managed
• Plan Managed
• NDIA Managed

The MyCareSpace Self, Plan and NDIS Management Guide provides further detail.

Self Managed Payment for Low Cost Assistive Technology:

• Make a payment request through the myplace portal for the total amount and then pay the assistive technology supplier, OR
• Pay the assistive technology supplier and then make a request through the myplace portal.

Access the NDIS Guide to Self Management for further details.

Plan Managed Payment for Low Cost Assistive Technology:

• Submit the invoice to your plan manager for payment.

NDIA Managed Payment for Low Cost Assistive Technology:

• Request the supplier to create a service booking directly through the NDIS portal. Remember, the supplier must be a registered NDIS provider to access the portal.

Arrival of Low Cost Assistive Technology

Once the NDIS funding are processed, the assistive technology will be delivered to your home address. Depending on the complexity of the item, set up may be provided by the supplier. Alternatively, you may need to contact your therapist to set up the item for you.

Additional training may be required to ensure appropriate use. Consult with your prescribing therapist for training requirements for you or for your family/carers.

FAQ:

1. Does Low Cost Assistive Technology have to be Reasonable and Necessary?

Yes - Every support purchased with NDIS funding must meet the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Criteria. Find out more on What is Reasonable and Necessary under the NDIS here.
 

2. Can I trial any assistive technology product available on a supplier's website?

Not all items are available for trial due to hygiene precautions. Some items can be removed from their packaging for trial purposes, however some items cannot. The supplier decides which items can and cannot be trialled. Typically, personal care assistive technology products (i.e. long-handled bath sponge) or products that are not easy to sanitise (i.e. pillows) are not available to trial.
 

3. Can I trial shower chairs and shower stools at home when I have a shower?

All in-home and showroom trials are considered a “dry trial”. This means you will trial items fully clothed and practice using the item only. The trial will determine which item best suits your home environment and is most useful for your self-care routine. Once you purchase the item, you can remove all packaging and use it in your daily routines.
 

4. How do I trial meal preparation aids such as a modified chopping board or modified cutlery?

You will be unable to trial the devices with real food. However, you can practice grasping and handling the devices and act out how you may use the item to see if it is right for you if the supplier allows it.
 

5. Do all suppliers offer in-home trials of assistive technology?

Suppliers are not required to offer trials of assistive technology that they sell. They may have low cost items available in their showroom which are not offered for in-home trial. Alternatively, some suppliers have a smaller selection of stock available for trial from their full purchase range. You or your therapist can discuss trial and purchase stock availability directly with the supplier.
 

6. Where can I find low assistive technology?

Your therapist will have relationships with assistive technology suppliers to explore assistive technology for your disability-specific needs.

MyCareSpace have an Assistive Technology Providers Directory for a range of AT suppliers.

Search for AT Providers

You may also search for products on the AT Australia Product Search Guide.
 

7. How do I find a therapist to prescribe assistive technology?

The MyCareSpace Connections Team can help you access assistive technology by linking you in with a therapist who prescribes assistive technology.

Get started

Alternatively, access the MyCareSpace Directory to find a therapist who can assist with accessing the assistive technology you need.