Assistive technology (AT) are items that help you do tasks that you can’t do because of your disability, or items that help you do tasks more easily and safely. Not all equipment or technology you use is AT. Many people use some equipment as part of their everyday lives (e.g., a radio to listen to music, or a microwave to cook food). AT is the equipment you need to complete the tasks that you typically can’t do or have trouble doing because of your disability. All NDIS supports must meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.
17, Jan, 2025
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology (AT) are items that help you do tasks that you can’t do because of your disability, or items that help you do tasks more easily and safely.
What AT will the NDIS fund?
| The NDIS will fund: | The NDIS will NOT fund: |
|---|---|
| items that reduce the need for assistance. | everyday use technology that is not related to your disability. |
| items which make assistance safe or easy | items for treatment or rehabilitation. |
| items that help maintain functioning. | changes to public spaces, like a footpath. |
| items that allow you to complete tasks independently. | changes to public vehicles, such as buses or taxis. |
| items that are personalised for you. | assessment or therapy tools used by therapists. |
Ask yourself these questions if you’re unsure whether the NDIA will fund the equipment you want:
1. Does the AT relate to your disability?
For example, it should help you with a task you currently can’t do or are struggling to do due to impairments caused by your disability.
2. Is the AT right for you?
The NDIA will look at the disability-specific barriers that prevent you from pursuing your goals and will ask the following questions:Is the item right for your needs?
- Is the item right for your needs?
- Is safe for you to use and meets Australia’s safety standards?
- Will it work well to help you do all the things you need it to do?
- Will it work in all the places that you need to use it?
3. Does the AT represent value for money?
Generally, the NDIA will only fund the standard level of AT you need based on your goals. The NDIA will consider potential less expensive options, how long the equipment will last, and whether it will require ongoing repairs and maintenance.
4. Is your AT funded or provided by another government system?
For example, if it is funded under the health or education system.
How is AT funded?
The NDIA funds AT based on both the cost and the risk of the item. Risk and cost are broken into three categories: low-cost, mid-cost, and high-cost AT.
| Type of AT: | Low-cost AT | Mid-cost AT | High-cost AT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criteria: | • < $1,500 per item • Unlikely to cause harm • Easy to set up and use • Available from local suppliers or non-disability specific retailers |
• $1,500-$5,500 per item • More difficult to choose and set up on your own to get the best outcome |
• > $5,000 per item • Complex items which require specialised knowledge or tools to set them up • May be custom made |
| Funded from: | Consumables budget of your NDIS plan. This is apart of your flexible Core category. | Assistive Technology budget of your NDIS plan. This is apart of your Capital budget. | Assistive Technology or Home Modifications budgets of your NDIS plan. These are both apart of your Capital budget. Generally, your NDIS Plan will state the specific type of AT that is funded, it might also state ‘quote-required’. |
| Examples: | • Continence products • Non-slip bathmats • Walking sticks • Basic shower chairs |
• Standing hoist • Customised shower chair • Ankle foot orthotics • Pressure care mattress |
• A custom-made wheelchair • Ceiling hoists • Complex communication devices • Power adjusted beds |
| Evidence Needed: | No assessment or quote required. However, if you wish to purchase low-cost items that are higher risk, you will need to provide a letter of recommendation or report about how to use the item and provide this letter to your plan manager for claiming. | You need to get a letter of recommendation, report, or assessment from a qualified AT assessor before the item is purchased. The NDIA do not need a copy of this evidence, but your plan manager may request it for claiming. | You need to provide the NDIA with a recent assessment or report completed by a qualified AT assessor AND at least one quote. Sometimes, The NDIA may need a second quote to check your ATis value for money. |
How do I get an AT Assessment or Report?
Assessments and Reports for the NDIS must be completed by assistive technology assessors/advisors (e.g., an allied health professional like an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, incontinence nurse etc.). They are specialists who have qualifications and skills to assess and recommend the right AT for you, even if it is a high risk or complex solution. It is highly recommended that you talk with an AT advisor before buying even low-cost AT as they will be able to advise what might work best for you and what is the best value for money. You don’t always need an assessment from an AT assessor before AT is approved in your plan, but this evidence can help the NDIA planner decide on the right supports to include.
Your NDIS Plan includes funding for you to get assessed by AT advisors:
- For low-cost AT, at least $500 is included in your Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living budget) for advice or assessment.
- For mid-cost and high-cost AT, the NDIA will include more funding in your Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living budget) for assessment and advice.
I have my AT Assessment; now how do I provide it to the NDIA?
You can upload the advice to your NDIS my place portal yourself if:
- It is for the purchase of low-cost AT.
- It is for the purchase of mid cost AT.
- There is no action required from NDIA.
You should send your quote and/or assessment to NDIA by emailing enquiries@ndis.gov.au if:
- It’s for the purchase of high-cost AT.
- You need NDIA approval, and it has not been included in your NDIS plan.
Other costs funded under the AT Budget:
- AT rental – generally funded from Capital Supports. If the rental cost is more than $1500 per year, a quote will be required to be submitted to the NDIA for approval.
- AT trials – generally funded from Capital Supports, however, short trials (e.g., a one-hour session) can be funded from the Core – Consumables budget.
Costs relating to delivery & set up costs of AT. - Repairs and maintenance of AT – small repairs (e.g., a tyre puncture) are funded from your Core – Consumables budget, whereas major repairs (e.g. a regular service) are funded from your Capital – Assistive Technology budget.
What if I need a repair but don’t have enough funding left in my NDIS plan?
Get in contact with the NDIA to discuss – you might be able to get a new plan with funding for repairs. If the AT repair is over $1,500, the NDIA will need a quote before the repair can be completed.