● Aids for daily living activities for example, dressing aids, modified cutlery, utensils and crockery, personal hygiene aids, pencil holders.
● Aids to assist with showering and toileting including basic shower chairs and over toilet frames to specialised commodes.
● Aids to assist with functional transfers including grab rails and threshold ramps through to floor or ceiling hoists and slings.
● Seating and positioning for example, wheelchair seating systems, profiling beds, pressure cushions and mattresses, positioning belts and braces.
● Mobility aids for example, power and manual wheelchair assessment and provisions, modification of vehicles for travel with a mobility aid.
Adaptation of equipment for recreational activities for example adaptive controls for video games, seating systems for boats, bikes, lawnmowers, cuffs to assist with grasping.
Electric Bed, Air pressure mattress, Comode chairs, Recliner, Electric lifter, Electric wheel chair, Assisted Transport, or any assisted technologycrequired can be made available.
● An Assessment prior to your planning meeting can help ensure the NDIA hasenough evidence to decide what Assistive technology is reasonable and necessary
● If it is valued at more than $1500 you will require two quotes
● Don’t forget about repairs and maintenance. And remember that you can includethese in your plan
● Consider setting up a trial to test if new assistive technology is the best fit for youbefore you buy
1. unlikely to cause harm in day-to-day life
2. available for trial and / or can be purchased in retail stores
3. easy to set up and safely use without professional advice
1. complex, such as a power wheelchair
2. known to have caused harm
3. used for a restrictive practice
4. require professional advice, setup or training for safe use
Assistive technology comes in a vast range of different shapes and sizes and colours. From power wheelchairs to communication boards to screen reading software, there is assistive technology to assist you in just about every area of your life. From education and employment to transport and navigating the world around you, the right assistive technology with the right supports at the right time can be a life-changer.
The list of available Assistive technologies is long with hundreds of different products. In an effort to simplify the process of accessing it via your NDIS plan, the NDIA split Assistive technology into four different levels.
Level 1—Basic Assistive Technology
Basic AT is safe to operate or use and you won’t need specialized assistance to set it up. Basic items cost less than $1500. In addition, you don’t need an assessment for this type of equipment. And you can buy it online or from a local shop. Examples include non-slip bathmats, adapted grip equipment, or mobility canes.
Level 2—Standard Assistive Technology
You can generally buy Standard Assistive technology from a supplier. It is not customised, however, you’ll probably need some assistance setting it up and making adjustments. For example, altering the height. An assessment will sometimes be required for Standard Assistive technology. Some examples of include transfer benches, laundry and washing line adaptations, and handrails.
Level 3—Specialised Assistive Technology
While Specialised Assistive technology is similar to Standard in that you can buy it from an supplier, however it often requires some adjustments or modifications to suit the individual. Specialized Assistive technology will require an assessment and a written quote. Examples include electronic Braille displays, stair lifts, and pressure mattresses.
Level 4—Complex Assistive Technology
Complex assistive technology is custom-made. It often requires ongoing support including training. It requires an assessment and a written quote. Examples include power wheelchairs, bed rails, and hearing aids.
The way your NDIS plan is managed will determine how you purchase assistive technology. For example, if you are self-managed, you can choose your own suppliers and you are responsible for paying any invoices and then claiming from the NDIS. However, if the NDIA manages your plan, your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator will assist you to find a registered NDIS provider and the NDIS will pay the provider directly. And if your plan is managed for you, your plan manager will assist you to find the right assistive technology and provider and they will pay them on your behalf.