The Different Levels of NDIS Assistive Technology

What is Assistive Technology

Assistive technology may be a device or piece of equipment that helps you perform a task in your daily life. It is often abbreviated to AT.

If you have a disability, assistive technology can improve your independence, autonomy and safety. Assistive technology may also help others who care for you. Assistive technology should make it easier to do the activities that you want to do.

Does everyone have the same Assistive Technology funding?

The short answer - No. 

Each NDIS participant has an individual plan that is unique to them. You may know someone who has a large assistive technology budget. Some participants do not have one at all. 

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), makes decisions on how funding is allocated in your NDIS Plan. The NDIA allocates funding based on evidence provided to them. This means, if the NDIA does not know you need assistive technology, they won’t allocate funding for it. If you need to purchase assistive technology, you can request for more funding.

Assistive Technology: What are the levels?

Previously, assistive technology was classified by low cost/low risk (Level 1 & 2) and high cost/high risk (Level 3 & 4). These levels are no longer referred to.

Assistive technology is currently 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

Low Cost Assistive Technology

Amount: Under $1,500 per item

What: Low Cost Assistive Technology is any device or equipment that relates specifically to your disability. All items are “off the shelf” and not customised. Typically, there is little to no set up involved and the devices are not complex.

Where: In your NDIS plan, low cost assistive technology can be funded in your:

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

The amount available across these budgets in your NDIS plan is the maximum amount available to spend on assistive technology.

Which Budget: You can decide whether you use your Consumables or Assistive Technology budget based on the following factors:

• how much funding is allocated in your plan
• the cost of the item you are purchasing

Note: If you are purchasing continence-related products, these are typically purchased using your Consumables budget.

Who: Assessment from a therapist is recommended to ensure the assistive technology aligns with your needs. Speak with your Plan Manager before any purchases to confirm you have funding available.

Example:

Jane is 45 years old and is diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Jane experiences reduced strength and balance due to her disability. Jane is becoming more unsteady when standing in the shower and is worried she may fall when bending to wash her legs. Jane discussed this difficulty with her Occupational Therapist, who suggested exploring showering aids. The Occupational Therapist arranged for a trial of a range of assistive technology at Jane’s home. Together, they determined the correct shower stool for Jane which is height adjustable and has padded armrests and a backrest that was comfortable and sturdy. The shower stool recommended for Jane is $416.00, therefore is low cost. They also trialled a long handled sponge which is $45.00, also a low cost item.

Jane checked with her Plan Manager who confirmed funding is available in her Assistive Technology budget for these items. Jane’s Occupational Therapist sourced an invoice from the supplier and submitted it to Jane’s Plan Manager with her consent. The plan manager paid the invoice and the items were delivered to Jane’s home.

Mid Cost Assistive Technology

Amount: Between $1,500 per item - $15,000 per item

What: Mid Cost Assistive Technology is any device or equipment that relates specifically to your disability. Items may be “off the shelf” or have some level of customisation. Off the shelf means it can be purchased in full with little to no set up required. Customised assistive technology includes features that have been designed or adapted to meet your needs.

Where: In your NDIS plan, mid cost assistive technology can be funded in your:

• Assistive Technology budget, located in your Capital Support budget

To purchase a mid cost item without requiring further NDIS approval, your assistive technology budget must include the following:

• A statement of the specific item included in the description
• A funding amount allocated in the budget

You will have to apply to the NDIA for the assistive technology you wish to purchase when:

• The item is not specifically stated in the assistive technology budget of your plan
• There is no funding allocated in the assistive technology budget of your plan
• The item is stated and funding is allocated, but the allocated funding is not enough to purchase the item you need.

Who: You need an assessment from a therapist or other AT advisor to identify your need for assistive technology. This is to ensure the correctassistive technology is prescribed in line with your needs related to your disability. The therapist or OT advisor must prepare evidence to justify the need and suitability of the item.

Example:

Brad sustained an Incomplete L1 Spinal Cord Injury and has difficulty getting in and out of bed due to his injury. Brad discussed his need for a hi-lo adjustable bed with his Occupational Therapist who coordinated the trial of various options. It was determined a king-single hi-lo adjustable bed was suitable, costing $4,699.99. Brad checked with his Plan Manager who confirmed a bed is specifically stated in his NDIS plan with $5,000 allocated for purchase. The Occupational Therapist prepared a Mid-Cost Assistive Technology report which Brad kept a record of. This report doesn’t need to be submitted to the NDIA. The invoice was submitted to the Plan Manager for payment and the bed was delivered and set up for Brad a week later.

High Cost Assistive Technology

Amount: Over $15,000 per item

What: High Cost Assistive Technology is any device or equipment that relates specifically to your disability. Items may be customised, meaning it includes features that have been designed or adapted to meet your needs. High cost assistive technology is typically complex to prescribe, set up and use, which is why they are costly.

Where: In your NDIS plan, high cost assistive technology can be funded in your:

• Assistive Technology budget, located in your Capital Support budget

You will require NDIA approval and funding allocated in your assistive technology budget to purchase high cost items.

Who: Specialised knowledge for prescription and set up is needed to access high cost assistive technology. You must complete an assessment with a therapist/AT advisor to ensure the items meet your needs.

Example:

Leanne has Motor Neurone Disease and is finding it more difficult to walk with her four-wheeled walker due to weakeness experienced. Leanne met with her Occupational Therapist who coordinated the trial of powered wheelchair options. Following several trials in the home and community, the Occupational Therapist wrote an Assistive Technology Report and submitted it to the NDIA with a quote for a $48,520 powered wheelchair. Once approved, the invoice was processed and Leanne received her wheelchair.

How can I Spend my Assistive Technology Funding

You must consider the following factors before purchasing assistive technology:

• Does the item directly relate to my disability?
• What does the item help me achieve?
• What does the item cost?
• What funding do I have in my plan already?

Who can Support me to get Assistive Technology

You should seek advice from relevant people before purchasing any assistive technology. This may include:

• Support Coordinator
• Plan Manager
• Local Area Coordinator
• Therapist - Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech Pathologist, Exercise Physiologist etc

The Decoding Allied Health resource available through MyCareSpace is helpful in understanding which therapist may be right for you.

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