You can use your existing Core Supports budget, consumables category to purchase a portable air purifier (or other ventilation device such as a portable extraction fan or pedestal fan) to ensure safe access to NDIS funded supports in your home, where you:
- have a disability that compromises your breathing (lung function) and/or puts you at increased risk of acquiring, or becoming very unwell if you acquire, COVID-19
- are at increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 due to the nature and volume of close personal supports you receive each day from support workers in your home
- are unable to (due to disability) effectively minimise your risk of acquiring COVID-19 by following health advice (e.g. to wear a mask), or otherwise ensure adequate ventilation within your home or residence by other means (e.g. opening windows).
You do not need to provide any evidence or otherwise seek approval for any low cost AT device purchased below $1,500 in value, but you must keep the evidence.
The expected price range of a portable air purifier varies between $300-$700 per unit.
If you need additional funding or believe you need to purchase a device valued at more than $1,500, you will need to seek a plan reassessment and provide relevant evidence.
You can refer to the following for more information:
For more information on low cost AT, read Our Guideline – Assistive Technology .
Portable air purifiers are unlikely on their own to prevent transmission of COVID-19. You should consider current health advice on how to effectively minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission within your home. Improving ventilation and air quality (whether through natural or mechanical means) is just one way to help reduce the risks of COVID-19.
You should also seek professional advice before selecting and installing a portable air purifier or other ventilation improvement equipment within your home if you choose this as a control.
