NDIS Assistive Technology (AT) refers to equipment, devices, or systems that help people with disability perform everyday tasks more safely and independently.

These supports are funded under the NDIS when they are considered reasonable and necessary, and directly related to your disability and support needs.

? Examples of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology may include:

• Mobility aids (e.g. wheelchairs, walkers)
• Shower chairs and bathroom safety equipment
• Communication devices
• Pressure care mattresses or specialised bedding
• Transfer equipment (e.g. hoists)

⚠️ Important to Know

• Items must be directly related to your disability
• Funding depends on your NDIS plan and approval
• Some equipment requires a professional assessment (e.g. Occupational Therapist)
• General household items are usually not funded

Not all items are funded as NDIS Assistive Technology. To be approved, equipment must be reasonable and necessary, directly related to your disability, and support your functional needs.

Items that do not meet these criteria are generally not funded.

❌ Common Items Not Included

The following are usually not covered under NDIS Assistive Technology:

• General household items used by everyone (e.g. standard furniture, TVs, appliances)
• Everyday living expenses (e.g. rent, groceries, utility bills)
• Items not related to your disability
• Products without clinical justification or assessment (when required)
• Equipment purchased from non-approved or general retail sources without evidence
• Luxury, recreational, or non-essential items

⚠️ Why These Items Are Not Funded

NDIS funding is intended to support disability-related needs, not general day-to-day living costs.

To be approved, assistive technology must:

• Help you complete tasks you cannot do independently
• Reduce risk or improve safety
• Increase your independence or participation
• Be recommended where required by a qualified professional

To access funding for NDIS Assistive Technology (AT), the equipment must be included in your NDIS plan and considered reasonable and necessary to support your disability and daily living needs.

? Steps to Access Funding

1. Check Your NDIS Plan
Your plan must include funding for assistive technology (usually under Capital Supports or Core Supports, depending on the item).

2. Identify Your Needs
Work with your support team to determine what equipment will help improve your safety, independence, or daily functioning.

3. Assessment (If Required)
For more complex equipment, you may need an assessment from a qualified professional, such as an:

• Occupational Therapist (OT)
• Physiotherapist
• Rehabilitation specialist

They will provide recommendations and a supporting report.

4. Obtain Quotes
You may need one or more quotes for the equipment, especially for higher-cost or customised items.

5. Submit for Approval (If Needed)
Some items require approval from the NDIS before purchase, particularly mid to high-cost assistive technology.

6. Purchase and Claim
Once approved, the equipment can be purchased through your plan funding, either:

• Directly by your provider, or
• Reimbursed if self-managed

⚠️ Important to Know

• The item must be directly related to your disability
• It must provide functional benefit or increased independence
• Not all items are automatically approved
• Higher-cost equipment requires stronger clinical evidence

Support at Home (SAH) Assistive Technology refers to equipment, devices, or home modifications that help older people live safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes.

These supports are funded under the Support at Home Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, based on your assessed needs.

? What Does It Include?

Assistive Technology under SAH may include:

• Mobility aids (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs)
• Bathroom safety equipment (e.g. shower chairs, grab rails)
• Electric beds and pressure care mattresses
• Transfer equipment (e.g. hoists)
• Minor or major home modifications (e.g. ramps, bathroom changes)

⚠️ Important to Know

• Items must be related to ageing or functional limitations
• Equipment must be approved before purchase
• Some items require an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment
• Funding is provided through different tiers based on cost and complexity
• General household items are usually not funded

To access funding for Assistive Technology under the Support at Home program, the equipment must be approved through the AT-HM Scheme and be directly related to your care needs, safety, and independence at home.

? Steps to Access Funding

1. Assessment of Your Needs
Your care needs are assessed through My Aged Care to determine what supports, including equipment, may be required.

2. Identify Suitable Equipment
Your care provider or care manager will work with you to identify equipment that supports your mobility, safety, or daily living.

3. Clinical Assessment (If Required)
For more complex equipment, an assessment by a qualified professional (such as an Occupational Therapist) is required to provide recommendations.

4. Determine Funding Tier (AT-HM)
Your request will be considered under one of the Assistive Technology funding tiers, based on:

• Cost of the equipment
• Complexity of your needs
• Level of clinical justification

5. Approval Before Purchase
Equipment must be approved before it is purchased. Items bought without approval may not be reimbursed.

6. Purchase and Claim
Once approved, the equipment can be purchased through your provider and claimed under your SAH funding.

⚠️ Important to Know

• Equipment must be related to ageing or functional limitations
• General household items are not funded
• Items must be clinically justified where required
• Funding is separate from your regular service budget