What is Low Cost Assistive Technology

Last Updated 11 July 2019

Under the NDIS, Assistive Technology includes pieces of equipment a person can use to help them do everyday tasks they can't do on their own. Assistive Technology can help a person maintain greater independence and make tasks/activities easier and safer for them to do.

The NDIS describes Assistive Technology according to the complexity of a participant's needs. The lowest being level 1.

NDIS Funding - Level 1 (Basic Assistive Technology)

Has the following characteristics:

• Costs less than $1500
• Safe to use and you don't need help setting it up.
• Don't need an assessment or any quotes once approved as 'reasonable and necessary'.
• Funding for Low Cost AT in your NDIS Plan is included under your Core Budget and myPortal under ‘Low Cost AT’. 
• Buy this AT from your local store or the internet.
• Examples Include:
  • Daily living solutions/daily adaptive equipment: everyday use products with specific features that address functional limitations for the individual; medication management devices (except for vision impairment); nonslip bathmat; non-electronic magnifiers; signature guide; talking watch; long-handled or adapted grip equipment, cutlery (& similar items for daily living); tactile dots, large print calendar, large print labels; alert systems with flashing light e.g. baby cry, smoke alarm, doorbell.
  • Mobility: replacement mobility cane; replacement covers (like for like); walking stick
  • External continence: One off/short term supply of washable briefs; pads; bedding protectors.
• NOTE: It does not include these items which are Level 3 or Level 4 complexity
  • weighted blankets
  • bed-sticks
  • poles
  • bedrails or bedrail covers.

What Level 1 Low Cost Assistive Technology can I buy?

• Here are some great every day examples of AT Level 1 items you could buy (collected by The Growing Space and its community members)
   
• Another website that has more examples is: Independent Living Centre’s Australia 
   
• Find examples of Low Cost AT here

Where to Find AT Service Providers

MyCareSpace AT Providers

MyCareSpace Resources on Assistive Technology

• Everything you need to know about Assistive Technology
• What Assistive Technology is funded by the NDIS?
• What are the different Levels of Assistive Technology?
• How do I buy Assistive Technology?
• When do I need an NDIS Assistive Technology Assessment and Quote?
• Who pays for repairs to Assistive Technology
• Replacing NDIS Assistive Technology

​Sources:

• NDIS Assistive Technology and Consumables Price Guide
• Participant Fact Sheet – Basic (Level 1) and Standard (Level 2) Assistive Technology
• AT Complexity Level Classification document