Assistive technology is a term used to cover items and devices that can help you to become more independent and do things you may otherwise not be able to do because of your disability.
Assistive technology can include a range of items, from safety basics such as a shower stool to more advanced items like transfer aids or powered wheelchairs.
Purchasing assistive technology (AT) with your NDIS funds has become easier over the past few years as the NDIS recognises the power of technology to help improve independence for people with disability.
However, it’s still essential to follow the NDIS guidelines and ensure you meet the necessary requirements.
NDIS assistive technology basics.
Around 80% of people on the NDIS have funding for assistive technology in their plans.
The NDIS defines assistive technology as ‘equipment, technology and devices that help you do things you can’t do because of your disability’.
The primary purpose of AT is to support participation at home, school, work and in the community. It also has an important role to play in wellbeing.
AT funded by the NDIS can include assistive items for recreation, household tasks, personal care, hearing equipment, vision equipment, personal mobility equipment and more.
What assistive technology is covered by the NDIS?
The NDIS may fund technology supports that can help you do things you can’t do due to your disability or that help make everyday tasks easier and safer.
Assistive technology that is on the NDIS support list:
- Assistive products for the preparation of food and drink
- Assistive products for house cleaning, gardening or laundry
- Upgrades or modifications to standard household items to include accessibility features that address your support needs
- Assistive products used in sports or other recreational activities
- Assistive products for self-care activities, modified or adaptive clothing, products to manage incontinence and products to facilitate washing and drying the body
- Visual and tactile alerting systems.
Assistive technology that is not on the NDIS supports list:
- Items for treatment or rehabilitation
- Tablets and mobile phones including smartphones
- Internet connection and data
- Standard computers, standard computer accessories, consoles and games
- Subscriptions for streaming services
- A built environment that is used by others such as ramps at school or work
- Anything that is considered to be’mainstream technology’ that does not overcome a functional limitation. For example, a car is not assistive technology but modifications to a car could be.
The NDIS does not cover AT that should be funded by other services or everyday technology that everyone has to buy.
Replacement supports and assistive technology.
In some specific circumstances, the NDIS can fund AT supports that may not be on the NDIS supports list. These are called replacement supports.
Replacement supports make some items that are not NDIS supports accessible. However, it isn’t an extra support. It must replace some funded supports in your plan. It’s important to know that if your plan mentions a specific AT item/s to be purchased, that this will need to be done prior to using any other unspecified AT funding for other items.
Examples of replacement supports:
- Standard commercially available household item such as a washing machine or dishwasher
- Smart watches
- Tablet devices
- Smartphones
- App for accessibility or communication
For example, you may ask for a smart watch, tablet or smartphone as a replacement support if it is required to meet communication and accessibility needs and would reduce the support worker hours you need in your plan.
You must get written approval from the NDIS before purchasing replacement supports, and any invoices or receipts must be dated after the approval is granted. Buying a replacement support before you have approval may result in the claim being declined.
Visit the NDIS website for more information on replacement supports and how to apply.
Is assistive technology ‘reasonable and necessary’ for you?
Like any item or service purchased with your NDIS Plan, you must be able to prove that any assistive technology or AT under the NDIS is reasonable and necessary for your needs.
Consider the following questions:
- Is the item on the list of NDIS supports?
- How is the technology related to my disability? For example, does it help you do something that you could not do without it?
- Is the AT right for my unique needs? Is it safe? Does it help me achieve my goals? Does it assist with my daily support needs?
- Is the item value for money compared with other options that may achieve the same outcome? For example, are there less expensive options? Will the item need repairs or maintenance?
The three levels of assistive technology under the NDIS.
The pricing structure for AT under the NDIS makes it easy to access the technology you need, providing it meets NDIS requirements. For all assistive technology purchases, it is recommended that you obtain advice from an AT assessor or experienced professional first so you are more likely to get the best item for you.
Up to $1,500 an item (low cost assistive technology).
Items valued at up to $1,500 can be flexibly purchased with your Core supports budget. No quote is required. Low cost AT is generally more readily available in retail stores and online and requires little or no set-up.
$1,500 to $15,000 an item (mid cost assistive technology).
Mid cost assistive technology can be purchased from Capital supports in your NDIS Plan. Written evidence from a qualified AT advisor is required to help you choose an item that is safe and right for you. If you have the relevant evidence, and the item isn’t high risk, the NDIS will automatically approve funding for AT items valued at up to $15,000. No quote is required.
More than $15,000 (higher cost AT).
For AT costing more than $15,000, the NDIS needs an assessment by a professional AT advisor (sometimes called an AT assessor) and a quote for the proposed AT. In some cases, you may be required to show evidence of having trialled the item and demonstrate how it was effective for you.
Items in this price range tend to be more complicated and difficult to set up. Such items are ‘stated’ under the Capital supports budget in your NDIS Plan, meaning you can only purchase the item and model that’s included in your plan.
Caption: A table displaying three levels of AT
Top tip: The NDIS recommends getting advice from an AT advisor to make sure you get AT that’s right for you. An AT advisor may be an allied health practitioner, continence nurse, rehabilitation engineer or another qualified practitioner.
Assistive technology and risk.
Aside from cost, another major consideration for purchasing assistive technology with your NDIS funds is risk.
The NDIS considers some items as higher risk than others. This means they have more potential to do harm when used in a daily living environment. Such items require a different approvals process.
Low risk assistive technology.
Low risk AT are items that are unlikely to cause harm in everyday life, are likely to be readily available in stores and are easily set up without help. They are usually, but not always, at the lower end of the price range, such as modified eating aids.
Higher risk assistive technology.
Higher risk assistive technology is more complex. Higher risk items can cause harm or require professional advice, set up or training to use safely.
Examples include bedsticks and other transfer aids, motor vehicle adaptations, pressure care devices and prosthetics. Have more questions? Check out Assistive Technology FAQs.
Top tip: Before purchasing higher risk assistive technology, you need to obtain written advice from an AT advisor or assessor and will need to obtain a quote from the NDIS.
Getting independent advice and AT assessments.
If you have AT in your plan, you will also need to have at least $500 in your Capacity Building budget to seek advice from an independent advisor about your AT requirements.
You must keep a copy of the advice as the NDIS may ask for it later. It’s a good idea to upload it to your NDIS myplace portal so it is attached to your NDIS record. You can also upload this document to the Leap in! app so you have easy access if required at a later date.
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Originally published 24 March 2022, updated 21 February 2023 and 16 January 2025.