What are the Different Levels of Assistive Technology? | MyCareSpace
Graph showing different levels of AT

What are the Different NDIS Levels of Assistive Technology?

Submitted by MYCARESPACE ADMIN on Thu, 07/11/2019 - 18:40
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Last Updated 11 July 2019

What are the different classifications of Assistive Technology items?

AT ranges from the really simple to the very complex and sometimes you may need help to figure out what is the right AT solution for you.

An AT assessor is able to assess your needs and situation, and identify the most appropriate AT. They may be an allied health practitioner, continence nurse, rehabilitation engineer, AT mentor or other suitably qualified practitioner.

The NDIA uses 4 levels to describe the complexity of your AT needs.

Level 1 (Basic items)

  • Low-cost.
  • Safe to use and you don't need help setting it up.
  • Don't need an assessment or any quotes.
  • Buy this AT from your local retail 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; alert systems with flashing light e.g. baby cry, smoke alarm, doorbell.
       
    • Mobility: replacement mobility cane; replacement covers (like for like); walking stick, quad stick
       
    • External continence: One off/short term supply of washable briefs; pads; bedding protectors.
       
    • Communication devices: low tech communication boards and books, PECS books, switch replacement
       
    • Vision: tactile dots, magnifier, large print calendar, large print labels
       
  • Funding for Low Cost AT in your NDIS Plan is included under your Core Budget and myPortal under ‘Low Cost AT’. 
     
  • 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 

Level 2 (Standard Assistive Technology)

  • Low to medium cost products with low to medium risk
  • Typically you can buy this AT 'off the shelf'.
  • Only minor adjustments needed (E.g. adjust height of shower chair legs).
  • Assessments may be required depending on availability and individual circumstances.
  • Buy this AT from a specialist AT Supplier.
  • Examples include: 
    • Simple Bathing and toileting devices: showerstool/chair; bathseat; transfer bench; over-toilet frame; static commode; hand-showers+diverter;
    • Vision/hearing devices: video magnifier (optical, handheld); OCR reading machine
    • Basic Domestic AT: kitchen trolley; laundry & washing line adaptations; hand held devices for addressing severe vision impairment
    • Home adaptations (external or internal): single grabrail; handrail; portable ramps for a single step; single platform step; threshold ramps 35mm rise or less; basic single function environmental control units (ECU); personal alarms
    • Basic Seating: adjustable height upright seating;  chair raisers
    • Basic Transfer equipment: slide sheet; transfer equipment (slide board,  slide sheet, swivel discs, turn tables, transfer belts); monkey bar
    • Continence: continuation of previous supply without change of circumstances
    • Prosthetics & Orthotics: Footwear, orthotic resupply (replacements) where no contra-indications apparent etc.

 

Level 3 (Specialised Assistive Technology)

  • Similar to Level 2 but often requires modification to suit the needs of the participant.
  • Requires an Assessment.
  • Work with your AT assessor to identify a suitable supplier of best AT solution for you.
  • Requires a written quote which includes supply, delivery and set-up, as well as ongoing maintenance/repair costs.
  • Examples may include:
    • Communication devices: non-complex devices/software; refreshable electronic Braille display; multipage communication books
    • Specialised vision/hearing devices: desktop electronic magnification, telescopes, daisy player, items for administering medication for people with vision impairment; hearing aids & accessories
    • Continence: initial supply of all continence items (with the exception of Level 4)/review of indwelling continence items
    • Environmental control units: medium complexity environmental control units ECUs
    • Standard home modifications: non portable ramps; adaptation of bathroom and kitchen fittings; shower screen removal; bidets – toilet attachment type;  stair lifts; repositioning of switches and power outlets; replacement of taps; application of slip resistant coatings; ambient assisted living appliances (combined solutions); activity monitoring solutions;
    • Non standard beds, mattresses & accessories: sleep support systems for non-complex postural/pressure needs; foot and body wedges; pressure mattresses; pressure mattress overlays; bed sticks/poles;
    • Specialised transfer and movement equipment: mobile or ceiling hoists and slings;
    • Mobility: power/power-assist wheelchairs; specialised strollers; scooters; gait aids; vehicle modifications (access); specialised car seats, harnesses and postural supports; positioning devices; assistance animal; mobility cane (first issue)
    • Low to medium level pressure care management:  low to medium level pressure cushions and mattress
    • Bathing and toileting devices: Shower commodes – individually configured from standard components; bath lifts

 

Level 4 (Complex Assistive Technology )

  • Custom made AT which is specially made or configured for you.
  • Needs an Assessment.
  • Work with your AT assessor to identify suitable supplier of best AT solution for you.
  • Will require specialist and/or ongoing support (including specialised training).
  • Requires a written quote which includes supply, delivery and set-up, as well as ongoing maintenance/repair costs.
  • Examples Include:
    • Mobility: power wheelchairs with integrated controls; motor vehicle AT (operator); highly configurable manual wheelchairs; electronic mobility AT for person who is blind
    • Adaptive seating and positioning system for complex posture: within wheelchair; vehicle passenger seat/tie down; static seating; bed systems 
    • Complex bathing and toileting devices: bathing devices including shower commodes
    • Complex pressure care management: high-level pressure cushions and pressure care sleep systems
    • Bed systems for complex need: full mattress replacements; bed rails & bedrail covers
    • Prosthetics: complex/myoelectric; Orthotics/footwear complex, high-risk;
    • Hearing: hearing aids and accessories (complex need); cochlear implant speech processors, BAHA
    • Specialised ICT access: specialised software; alternate access & mounting systems etc.
    • Complex home modifications: modifications that require structural changes to building and/or require council permits
    • Communication devices (initial / complex): electronic voice/voice prostheses; equipment for Deafblind individuals
    • Continence: initial supply/review of anal devices and intravaginal bladder supports
    • Enteral nutrition
    • Environmental control units: Multifunction complex control ECUs

Where to Find AT Service Providers

MyCareSpace AT Providers

MyCareSpace Resources on Assistive Technology

​Sources:

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