What assistive technology is for
Assistive technology can help you to do things you can’t do and can help you live more independently. For example, screen reading software can help people with low vision to operate a computer more effectively.
Assistive technology also helps you do things more safely. For example, a shower chair might help reduce your risk of falling in the shower. It can also reduce your need for other supports over time.
What working with assistive technology is like
There is a broad range of assistive technology available
Assistive technology can be items like:
- non-slip mats
- adaptable knives and forks
- wheelchairs
- powered adjustable beds
- a communication device controlled with your eyes
- a wheelchair.
We don’t fund all assistive technologies.
We’ll only fund assistive technology that is reasonable and necessary and is a NDIS support.
Whether you meet these criteria will depend on:
- your disability-specific needs
- your goals
- the evidence that supports it
- whether it’s more appropriately funded by other sources.
We also consider the cost and risk
In addition to evidence, the decisions we make about assistive technology depend on cost and risk.
How much it costs
Assistive technology can be:
What is the risk to you
Low-risk assistive technology will not usually cause harm when used in daily life. These can be readily available items you choose and use safely with very little advice or setup support from assistive technology advisors. For example, items like non-slip bathmats or adapted cutlery. You can generally buy low-cost and low-risk assistive technology from your ‘consumables’ budget.
Learn how to buy low-cost assistive technology.
All higher-risk assistive technology products will need advice from an assistive technology advisor or assistive technology assessor to help choose the right item for you. We generally consider items regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia as higher-risk.
For example, items like wheelchairs, beds and bed sticks, vehicle modifications, prosthetics or orthotics. For assistive technology that is high-risk, we need information about price, evidence, and assessments before we can approve them. They will generally be a stated support in your NDIS plan and something we talk to you about before your plan reassessment.
Learn how to buy mid-cost or high-cost assistive technology.
Tip: You can choose to rent instead of buy.
For some items, it might be better to rent assistive technology if your needs are likely to change. Learn more at how to rent assistive technology .