An overview of assistive technology
Assistive technology is equipment or devices that help you do things you can’t do because of your disability. It ranges from low-cost to high-cost, can be bought from a store, modified or custom-made.
We fund assistive technology that’s directly related to your disability. Assistive technology can help you do something more easily or safely. It can also help you to live more independently.
We will only fund assistive technology that is:
- directly related to your disability
- will help you work towards your goals
- something our rules say we can fund
- supported by evidence.
What we won’t fund
We can’t fund assistive technology that is:
- not related to your disability
- an item more appropriately funded by another government service or another program
- common items that everyone needs, like everyday household furniture.
Learn more about what assistive technology is.
How to know it’s right for you
It helps to consider a few questions when thinking about what makes assistive technology a reasonable and necessary NDIS support for you.
Have you received a recommendation?
It is very common for participants to request assistive technology because a health professional has recommended it. It’s important to know a recommendation doesn’t guarantee we can fund it.
Whether it’s been recommended or not, we still need evidence to decide if we can fund it for you.
Does it need to be approved and quoted first?
There are some kinds of assistive technology you can buy without needing to get advice. If you’ve bought an item before, and you know it’s less than $1,500 and low-risk, then you might feel comfortable buying it again.
If you haven’t bought it before and not sure whether you need advice from an assistive technology advisor, it’s worth asking. Or, you could check with your my NDIS contact, plan manager or support coordinator (if you have one).
For assistive technology that is more than $1,500, you need to provide advice from an assistive technology advisor. A quote is needed for high-cost assistive technology.
Is the assistive technology cost effective?
We generally fund the standard level of assistive technology you need, based on your goals. If you ask for a more expensive option that achieves the same outcome as a lower cost option, we’ll fund the most cost-effective item.
Is there evidence it is the best option for you?
Information and evidence play a significant role in our decision-making process for funding assistive technology. Evidence may come from various sources. These include:
- product trials
- previous use of assistive technology
- research or literature reviews
- expert opinions.
We will typically look for evidence that supports the effectiveness and safety of any recommended assistive technology. If there is little or no evidence to support it, we may need this information to be gathered before it can be considered.
Tablets and smart devices: what we will fund
People often ask us if they can use their NDIS plan to buy tablets and smart devices. We have rules about what we can and can’t fund.
A tablet or smart device is a day-to-day household item. This means they are not usually a NDIS support.
For some people, a tablet or smart device will be a replacement support
Sometimes, we may fund smart devices such as tablets as a replacement support. This means we will replace an existing NDIS support in your plan with a tablet.
A replacement support must be related to your disability. It replaces a current support in your plan. It isn’t an extra support. You need apply for a replacement support. You can only buy this support if we approve in writing.