Mobility aids funded by the NDIS

December 4, 2020

If your disability affects your mobility and you are approved to receive NDIS funding, you are most likely eligible to access funds for a range of mobility aids.

A mobility aid is designed to make it easier for you to move around safely. Some mobility aids include electric scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs, and equipment for transferring into vehicles.

Specific mobility supports the NDIS will fund will differ depending on your disability and must be deemed “reasonable and necessary” to assist in your day to day life.

In this blog, we’ll cover what you need to know about mobility aids and what is funded under the NDIS. 

What are mobility aids?

A mobility aid, as defined by the NDIS, is an assistive technology (AT) that helps to improve movement that is impacted due to your disability.

Categorised as a Capital Support within your NDIS budget, mobility aids including vehicle modifications, prosthetic devices and orthotics. Home modifications are also funded within this NDIS category.

Depending on whether the specific mobility equipment you require is considered high-risk or low-risk, an AT assessment may be required before funds are released to obtain the equipment.

Some examples of low-cost, low-risk AT supports the NDIS will fund without include:

• Noise-cancelling headphones for participants with Autism to assist with limiting sensory overload
• Smart home technology for people with disabilities that impact mobility or hearing
• Mobile smart devices such as smartwatches to monitor heart rate, location and falls
• Other devices such as tablets and software that assist with communication

An AT assessment is needed when the NDIS required additional evidence to support your need to obtain certain high-risk or high-cost AT items. 

When an AT item is considered complex, or if you are purchasing it for the first time, an assessment is also required to show how it is appropriate for you and how it is needed to reach the goals within your plan. 

If you have questions about what mobility aids you can purchase using your plan funds, get in touch with the team at Disability Plan Services. 

How to access mobility aids using NDIS funding

What will NDIS fund when it comes to mobility aids? This all depends on your goals!

Because all NDIS funds are determined based on the goals you set at your planning meeting, it’s important that you clearly articulate how important it is for you to access support with mobility.

If your goal is to travel independently but your disability impacts your mobility, it’s best to state that in order to achieve your goal, you need to utilise a mobility aid such as an electric scooter.

After you have decided on the goals you want to achieve with support from the NDIS, you will receive your plan with funds for supports that help you toward reaching your goals.

For complex or high-risk mobility aids, you won’t be able to access your funding to obtain these until you receive an AT assessment from a professional such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. This confirms to the NDIA that the equipment is in fact required and suitable for your needs. 

In response to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NDIA has temporarily expanded the flexible approach to purchasing low cost AT items.

According to the NDIS, participants can now use their existing NDIS funding to purchase an item if: 

• it will maintain funded NDIS supports like a program, therapy or requirement (for example physiotherapy or Auslan interpreting provided via video conferencing), and
• the provider of supports has confirmed in writing the device is necessary to continue supports and services while maintaining physical distancing requirements, and
• it is the lowest specification that will maintain funded supports, and 
• they do not already have the item, another suitable item or access to the item, and
• the item has not been funded by another service system (such as education), and 
• the item or circumstances are not specifically excluded.

The cap for the cost of AT items is $1,500 using your existing budget. 

With so much technology available that is specifically designed to help make your day-to-day life easier, there is bound to be a ndis mobility aid provider or AT item that can help you achieve your goals!

If you’re unsure about whether or not to buy an AT item that you may need, you may have the option to hire or lease certain equipment. Talk to the team at Disability Plan Services about your options when it comes to acquiring AT.

At Disability Plan Services, we understand the importance of having the supports you need to achieve your goals. Our team of experienced NDIS Support Coordinators and Plan Managers know how to make the most of your NDIS plan funds. 

For more personalised information about supports the NDIS will fund using your plan funding, get in touch with us today!