Understanding Assistive Technology

What is Assistive Technology in the NDIS?

Assistive technology may be a device or item of equipment to help you perform a task in your daily life. It is often abbreviated to 'AT', or sometimes called 'equipment'. 

How does Assistive Technology help you as part of your NDIS funding?

Assistive technology aims to:

• Increase independence - This helps you to do more for yourself, therefore reducing the need for person-to-person support.

• Increase participation - You do more of what you want to do by making tasks easier for you to engage in.

• Promote safety - By reducing risks and hazards that may be present.

Assistive technology can be used for activities you currently do, or activities you want to do. Assistive technology helps you to pursue your goals and aspirations.

Does AT have to be purchased from a disability-specific shop?

Assistive technology may be considered a disability-specific aid (supplied by a disability company) or a mainstream support (available at a regular store).

Disability-Specific Aids

Assistive technology may be specifically designed to address challenges you face because of your disability. Examples include:

• Powered Wheelchair
• Alternating air mattress
• Shower chair
• Modified chopping board

These types of supports are often named specifically in your NDIS plan.

Mainstream Support

Assistive technology that can be bought from a regular store is called Low Cost or Low Risk assistive technology as it costs less that $1500. It can be used to help you with specific need related to YOUR disability: Examples include:

• Planners/schedules
• Large print labels
• Electric timer toothbrush
• Apple watch for falls detection/contacting emergency services

When you are looking to buy assistive technology from a regular store, you must be able to justify how it relates to challenges linked to your disability. 

You may need to seek guidance from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and Allied Health Professionals, also known as therapists, to ensure the item is most appropriately funded by the NDIS. 

The NDIA does not fund household furniture or other general items. However, they might fund the extra cost of adapting general items for your disability if needed.

Example: You might use your NDIS funding to purchase a kettle tipper, however, you must supply the kettle, as this is an everyday item. The NDIA may fund vehicle modifications to your car for wheelchair accessibility, but will not fund the purchase of the car.

Here are some great examples of Low-cost disability-specific and mainstream support items, provided by The Growing Space.

Remember, whether a disability-specific aid or a mainstream support, assistive technology must align with needs relating to your disability and meet the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Criteria.

This is a criteria in the NDIS Act (2013) that all funded supports must meet.

Where do I find Assistive Technology in my NDIS Plan

There are three main categories of funding in your NDIS plan:

• Core Supports
• Capacity Building Supports
• Capital Supports

You may see one of these categories in your plan, two or all three. Assistive Technology is a budget located in the Capital Supports category.

NOTE: If you do not see the Capital Supports budget in your plan, you do not currently have funding for Assistive Technology.

Is there anywhere else in my plan I can purchase Assistive Technology?

Low-cost assistive technology can be funded by your Consumables budget, which can be found in the Core Supports Category.

How to get Assistive Technology funding in my NDIS Plan

There are several ways you can get Assistive Technology funded in your plan, such as:

1. When you receive your first plan, a budget may be allocated for you to explore what Assistive Technology supports you may need.
    
2. At your NDIS Plan Review meeting, you can identify future goals and how assistive technology may seek to achieve these goals. Potential outcomes include:
   • You may be allocated Assistive Technology funding in your new plan, 
   • You may be allocated funding for a therapist to complete an assessment for your assistive technology needs. Funding for the assessment will appear in the Capacity Building category.
   • The NDIA suggests another funding source is more appropriate for funding the item.
      
3. A therapist (such as an Occupational Therapist) completes an assessment for your assistive technology needs. This typically involves trialing a variety of items to ensure the following:
   • The AT meets your needs related to your disability,
   • The AT helps you perform the necessary activity,
   • The AT is suitable for the intended environment.

The therapist is responsible for ensuring the assistive technology aligns with your needs from a clinical perspective, while also ensuring the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Criteria are met.

What is the approval process for Assistive Technology?

The approval requirements depend on the cost of the item. Here is a quick summary:

• Low cost (Less than $1500): No NDIA approval required.
• Mid cost (Between $1500 - $15,000): If funding for AT already allocated in plan and item is stated specifically, no approval required. If not specifically stated, submit a request to the NDIA to gain approval.
• High Cost (Over $15,000): NDIA approval required.

Therapist involvement is recommended across all levels of assistive technology to ensure items are appropriate. The need for therapist input increases for mid and high cost items.

Where to Find AT Suppliers

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

Find Me a Therapist

MyCareSpace also have an Assistive Technology Providers Directory which includes a broad range of AT suppliers.

Search for AT Suppliers

Additional Information

Find more information on assistive technology here:

Reasonable and Necessary Supports

NDIS Operational Guidelines - Assistive Technology

Providing Assistive Technology