What does NDIS assistive technology funding include?

May 2, 2022

Assistive technology can make a massive difference to quality of life for many people with disabilities. While some items may be low cost, others can be up on the far end of the scale, which can be quite overwhelming.  Thankfully, NDIS assistive technology funding can be a great help. 

If your disability requires you to use a mobility aid or piece of assistive technology, you are likely to be an eligible candidate to receive NDIS assistive technology funding. 

In this blog, we outline what NDIS assistive technology can be funded, and show how a support coordinator can help simplify the process of finding and choosing an aid that’s right for you.   

What sort of items does NDIS assistive technology funding cover? 

One of the biggest misconceptions about NDIS assistive technology funding is that you can only receive funding for high-cost mobility items. Fortunately, this is not the case. Depending on your individual needs, you may receive funding for 

• Low-cost assistive technology – under $1,500 per item. This might include items such as adaptive cutlery, iPads, non-slip bathmats, kitchen trolleys, washing line adaptions, or smoke alarms with flashing lights for the hearing impaired.
   

These items are usually available to be purchased off the shelf, are deemed highly safe and don’t require assistance to be set up.
 

• Mid-cost assistive technology – between $1,500 and $15,000 per item. These items are similar to low-cost assistive technology, but may be modified to suit your needs and include personalised non-standard beds, standing hoists, orthotics, mattresses, and accessories, and communication devices.
    
• High-cost assistive technology – with $15,000 and over allocated per item. Items under this category are typically for people with complex needs and may include items such as ceiling hoists, ventilators, prosthetics, complex communication devices, or powered and custom-built wheelchairs.
   

This level will require an assessment of items by a professional assistive technology advisor to ensure you are receiving the right piece of technology to suit your needs, as well as making sure you are comfortable with how the technology works, and understand the associated risks involved with using it.  

Where to find the right NDIS assistive technology for your needs 

You may have been approved for funding, but have no idea where to begin looking for suppliers. And little wonder.   

There is an endless array of suppliers, brands, makes and models of assistive technology to choose from, which might leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. 

If you’ve just been granted funding for a piece of assistive technology but you’re unsure where to begin looking for suppliers or brands, the good news is there’s plenty of support available. Firstly, anyone with NDIS assistive technology in their plan is also allocated at least $500 in their Capacity Building Improved Daily Living – Budget to seek advice from an independent advisor about your individual assistive technology requirements.  

Additionally, those with funding for support coordination in their NDIS plan can rely on the expert advice of a support coordinator who can connect you with a network of trusted assistive technology providers. Support coordinators – funded under eligible participant’s Capacity Building budget – can assist you with ordering assistive technology, purchase low-cost items on your behalf, and even help you decide whether its best to purchase or lease a piece of equipment.  

Where to get help on budgeting and paying for NDIS assistive technology 

If you’re concerned about managing the invoices and bills associated with purchasing or leasing a piece of assistive technology, it’s worth considering engaging a plan manager. Not only can a plan manager help you to get the best out of your NDIS plan overall, but they can also: 

• liaise with assistive technology suppliers on your behalf, and negotiate better rates; 
• pay bills on your behalf, and handle all record keeping; 
• provide you with tailored advice on how you should/could be spending your budget to maximise services; 

• inform you about allocated funds and budgets you have access to that you may not have been aware of. 

At Disability Plan Services, we have a team of friendly experts that can help you with plan management and support coordination. No matter what your personal goals are, our team can work with you to make sure you receive the supports you need, help you understand how your plan works and support you so you don’t feel overwhelmed by anything along the way. Click here to learn about our plan management services, or here to learn more about the different types of support coordination on offer by our team.  

If you’re looking for individual assist NDIS help, plan management with Disability Plan Services comes at no extra cost to you or your NDIS budget. When you request Disability Plan Services for your plan management, you’ve got access to a team of experts who are familiar with smart assist group NDIS help, individual assist NDIS support and more. Get in touch with us today by calling 1800 312 870 or by emailing info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.