What is NDIS Assistive Technology?
From a simple non-slip bathmat to a custom built wheelchair, NDIS assistive technology (AT) covers a wide range of items that make everyday living easier or more accessible for many participants. If your disability prevents you from performing certain tasks or performing them safely, you may want to consider assistive technology to support you.
In this article, you’ll learn about different types of assistive technology and find out how you can access the NDIS funding for this support.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology is a broad term that covers a vast number of items designed to assist NDIS participants in their everyday life. Assistive technology can be any piece of equipment that makes performing certain tasks possible, or makes it safer for you to do certain things.
The list of items classified as assistive technology is rather lengthy, so it can be tricky to know what type of equipment could be available to you. Thinking about your NDIS goals is a good starting point in identifying what assistive items you may need or benefit from. It could also be worthwhile asking an Occupational Therapist (OT) or physiotherapist for their advice and guidance.
What is the difference between low, mid and high cost assistive technology?
You may think that the NDIS funding is available only for high cost equipment, such as prosthetics or complex communication devices but, in fact, you can access funding for a wide range of items.
NDIS groups assistive technology into 3 categories based on value:
- Low cost assistive technology - Items valued under $1,500. This category covers safe and easy to use items that you can buy off the shelf at most general stores. Examples include: continence products, adaptive cutlery, non-slip bathmats, walking sticks, kitchen trolleys, shower chairs, ipads, smoke alarms with flashing lights.
- Mid cost assistive technology - Items valued between $1,500 and $15,000. This group includes more complex pieces of equipment which may require some modifications. Examples include: personalised beds and mattresses, stair lifts, customised shower chairs, standing hoists, some powered wheelchairs.
- High cost assistive technology - Items valued over $15,000. This category consists of equipment that supports participants with more complex needs. Examples include: prosthetics, ceiling hoists, custom built wheelchairs, ventilators, complex communication devices.
What are some examples of low-cost assistive technology?
There is no explicit list of items that NDIS considers low cost assistive technology - below are some examples of various support items NDIS participants can purchase:
Cognitive support
- Visual cookbooks
- Talking clock
- Voice-to-text smartphone app
- Keyboard with large keys
Continence support
- Mattress protectors
- Waterproof sheets
- Leak-proof underwear
- Leak-proof swimwear
Physical assistance
- Walking stick or cane
- Shower chair
- Adjustable toilet seat raiser
- Orthopedic footwear
Vision and hearing aids
- Text-to-voice smartphone app
- Scan text reader smartphone app
- Visual smoke alarm
- Video doorbell
The majority of low cost assistive technology items are considered low risk, and you can buy and safely use them without consulting a specialist. However, there is a small number of items that are classified as high risk. These require individual advice by a specialist to help select the most suitable product and to have it set it up correctly for safe use. These include:
- Mobility, bathing and toileting support items
- Pressure care devices
- Bed transfer aids
- Some communication supports
- Some hearing supports
It is best to seek advice from an occupational therapist before purchasing a high risk item.
How do I apply for NDIS assistive technology funding?
Different categories of assistive technology follow different processes in terms of funding.
- For low cost assistive technology, you can purchase any products you require using the Consumables part of your Core budget. As with all supports, ensure that the product you purchase meets the NDIS necessary and reasonable criteria.
- For mid cost assistive technology, you’ll need to provide documentation from a qualified assistive technology advisor explaining why a particular mid cost AT item is right for you. This document needs to be in writing and can be a letter, report or even an email. You can also provide other evidence to help the NDIS understand your needs and circumstances related to this purchase.
- For high cost assistive technology, you’ll need to provide a recent assessment or report from a qualified assistive technology assessor, highlighting what AT you require. Your assessor could be an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist and their assessment should be from the past two years. Next, you’ll need to provide NDIS with a quote so that the right amount of funding is allocated to you.