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:
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Low-cost assistive technology: under $1,500 per item
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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:
- 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.
- Discuss these difficulties with a therapist (i.e. Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologist, Physiotherapist etc) who will identify some assistive technology solutions OR
- 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:
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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.
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Provide relevant details via email or in the trial request form. An example email request submission has been provided below.
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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:
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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
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Hi AT Pro Suppliers, My name is Jane. I wish to complete an in-home trial of your assistive technology. Please see my details below: I wish to trial the following assistive technology in my home: Proposed trial dates: Kind regards, |
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.
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.
Alternatively, access the MyCareSpace Directory to find a therapist who can assist with accessing the assistive technology you need.
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