Assistive technology covers a huge range of everyday equipment, from a simple shower chair to a customised power wheelchair, and choosing the right item matters as much as the equipment itself. This article looks at how occupational therapists assess, trial and help fund assistive technology under the NDIS.
Mobility Aids and Self-Care Equipment
Mobility aids for daily living range from walking frames and manual or power wheelchairs to pressure-care cushions, hoists and vehicle modifications. Self-care equipment includes items like shower chairs, over-toilet frames, transfer boards and adjustable beds, all aimed at making personal care tasks safer and less physically demanding for the person and any support workers or family members involved.
The right piece of equipment depends on things like a person's strength, balance, the layout of their home, and how the equipment will be used day to day. What works well for one person may not suit another, even if their situations look similar on paper. This is why equipment choices are generally made following individual assessment rather than a general recommendation.
Low-Cost vs High-Cost, Complex Assistive Technology
The NDIS generally separates assistive technology into different risk and cost tiers, and the assessment and approval pathway differs depending on where an item sits. Low-cost, low-risk items, such as basic bathroom aids or a simple mobility aid, typically don't require an extensive assessment report and can often be purchased more quickly once funding is in a participant's plan.
Higher-cost or more complex items, such as custom power wheelchairs, complex seating systems or major home modifications, usually need a detailed OT assessment and a written report justifying why that specific equipment is needed. The NDIS assesses all AT requests against the "reasonable and necessary" criteria, considering the person's goals and functional needs.
The OT Assessment and Equipment Trial Process
An OT assessment for assistive technology usually starts with a conversation about the person's daily routines, goals and any tasks that feel difficult or unsafe. The OT may also visit the home or workplace to see the physical environment, since a mobility aid or piece of self-care equipment needs to work in that specific space, not just in theory.
For many items, especially higher-cost or complex ones, a trial period is a standard part of the process. Trials help confirm that equipment actually suits the person's body, environment and daily routine, and they can reveal practical issues that wouldn't show up in a short appointment. The OT then writes an assessment report that explains the recommended equipment and how it connects to the person's NDIS goals.
NDIS Funding Categories for Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is typically funded under the Capital Support Budget in an NDIS plan, though how it's actually used depends on the individual plan and whether funding is agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed. Some low-cost items may also be purchased using Core Support funding in certain circumstances, depending on how a participant's plan is structured.
It's worth remembering that having a plan doesn't automatically mean a specific piece of equipment is pre-approved; funding requests for AT, particularly anything complex or high-cost, are usually considered individually against the person's assessed needs and goals.
Keeping Equipment Working: Maintenance, Repairs and Reviews
Assistive technology isn't a one-off purchase and forget situation. Mobility aids and self-care equipment need regular maintenance to stay safe and effective. Some NDIS plans include specific funding for AT repairs and maintenance, so it's worth discussing this with a plan manager or support coordinator when the equipment is first funded.
People's needs also change over time, so equipment that suited someone well a year or two ago may no longer be the best fit. Periodic review with an OT can help identify when equipment needs adjusting, repairing or replacing, and can support a new funding request if needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Assistive Technology and the NDIS: How Occupational Therapists Help You Choose
Do I need an OT assessment for every piece of assistive technology?
Not always. Low-cost, low-risk items often don't require a full OT assessment, while higher-cost or complex equipment generally does. An OT or support coordinator can advise which pathway applies to a specific item.
How long does it take to get assistive technology approved and delivered?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the item, whether a trial is needed, and how the NDIS processes the specific request. Simple items can sometimes move quickly, while complex or custom equipment usually takes longer due to assessment and trial requirements.
Will the NDIS cover the full cost of the equipment I want?
NDIS funding is based on what's assessed as reasonable and necessary for the person's goals and needs, considered on an individual basis. There's no guaranteed amount or automatic approval, so it's best to discuss options and likely outcomes with an OT or plan manager before purchasing.
Can I trial equipment before committing to a purchase?
Yes, trials are a standard and encouraged part of the process for many mobility and self-care items, particularly higher-cost ones. Trialling helps confirm the equipment genuinely suits the person's body, home environment and daily routine before a funding request is finalised.
What happens if my equipment needs are no longer met by my current equipment?
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