Mobility is an important aspect of independence and achieving your goals. It can mean something different to everyone.
Whether you need a mobility aid because of limited mobility, want to see an allied health professional to help strengthen your muscles for walking, or require assistance to get public transport, the NDIS may be able to help.
If becoming more mobile is one of your goals, you may be able to use NDIS funds to get you there.
What is a mobility aid?
A mobility aid is a device designed to help people move around more freely and independently. It can include everything from walking aids such as canes to more complicated technology like wheelchairs and scooters.
Mobility aids can improve stability, increase balance and support safe independent movement.
They are sometimes referred to as ambulatory assistance devices or ambulatory aids.
Mobility aids and the NDIS.
The NDIS provides funding to help you achieve your goals. When it comes to mobility, the NDIS may be able to assist:
- If limited mobility is a barrier to fulfilling your goals
- If one of your goals is to become more independent through increased mobility.
The “reasonable and necessary” test applies so the support must be required because of your disability, likely to be effective and represent good value for money.
Mobility aids are generally considered assistive technology (AT) supports under the NDIS – physical supports that help you do something more easily or enable you to do something you can’t do because of a disability.
There are three types of assistive technology under the NDIS.
Low cost assistive technology – under $1500 per item.
Mobility aids that fall under this category may include:
- Scooter boards
- Knee scooters
- Walking sticks
- Rollators and wheelie walkers
- Portable ramps.
Items under $1500 can be purchased from your existing NDIS Core – Consumables budget funding and do not require a quote. Advice from a qualified AT practitioner may be required.
Mid cost assistive technology – between $1500 and $5000 per item.
Mobility aids that fall under this category may include:
- Standing hoists
- Electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters that cost less than $5000
- Manual wheelchairs.
An assessment from a doctor or AT assessor is required. A quote is not required but is helpful. Funding for these items will be found in your Capital budget.
High cost assistive technology – over $5000 per item.
Mobility aids that fall under this category tend to be more complex and include:
- Custom wheelchairs
- Ceiling hoists.
A recent assessment report from a qualified AT assessor and a quote are required. Support may also be provided to fund trials so you can determine which item is right for you.
Top tip: If you have AT in your plan, you will also have at least $500 included in your Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget to seek advice from an independent advisor about your AT requirements.
Allied health and mobility.
The NDIS can fund allied health services that support your body to improve mobility, which may involve building strength, balance, endurance, coordination and flexibility. See below for some examples.
Occupational therapist:
- Recommends the right technology for your needs, helps you find it and shows you how to use it
- Helps organise vehicle modifications or transport.
Exercise physiologist:
- Improves how you move and can prepare you for activities in the community
- Can design a fitness program to help you meet your goals such as improving mobility.
Physiotherapist:
- Helps you improve strength and motor skills so you can move more independently
- Identifies the right mobility aids and helps you use them.
NDIS and transport.
Transport costs which support mobility that may be funded by the NDIS include:
- Training and support to use public transport
- Modifications to private vehicles
- Some costs associated with the use of taxis, private transport or specialised transport.
Find out more at NDIS and transport.
Leap in! can help.
Here at Leap in! HQ, we have a team of experienced plan managers who can help you if you have questions about your NDIS Plan. You can connect with the Leap in! Crew via email – crew@leapin.com.au, phone 1300 05 78 78 or visit our website and chat with us live.
Further reading
Mobility aids: Where do they fit under the Capital supports budget?
Will the NDIS pay for repairs and maintenance to assistive technology?