Assistive Technology referrals for NDIS coordinators

Equipment and devices — wheelchairs and mobility, communication devices, hearing and vision aids — from low-cost aids to complex, assessed and quoted AT under the Capital budget.

NDIS registration group: Assistive products and technology

What AT is under the NDIS

Assistive technology (AT) under the NDIS is any device, piece of equipment, or system that helps a participant do something they otherwise couldn't do, or do it more easily and safely because of their disability. It ranges from low-cost, everyday aids through to highly specialised, custom-built equipment, and is funded when it is reasonable and necessary and connects to a participant's functional goals.

The NDIS groups AT by complexity and risk — from basic low-cost items that can often be purchased without a formal assessment, up to complex, higher-cost equipment that requires assessment, prescription and quotes from a suitably qualified allied health professional such as an occupational therapist. Most substantial AT is funded from the participant's Capital support budget, which is not flexible: the money can only be spent on the specific item it was allocated for.

AT covers the whole pathway, not just the device — assessment, trial, prescription, supply, set-up, training, repairs and replacement. Common examples include manual and powered wheelchairs, communication (AAC) devices, hearing and vision aids, pressure-care equipment, hoists, and adaptive daily-living aids.

What it covers

Who it suits

Refer for AT when a participant needs a device or piece of equipment to move safely, communicate, manage daily tasks, or reduce their reliance on paid support. Coordinators usually arrange an AT assessment first — often with an occupational therapist — then connect the participant to a supplier for the recommended item.

It suits participants across all disability types whose functional needs can be met with equipment, either instead of or alongside hands-on support.

How to refer AT on Novida

Use Novida to search verified AT assessors and suppliers, filtering by location, the type of AT you need (for example wheelchairs, AAC devices, or hearing and vision aids) and current availability. Novida shows each provider's registration status and whether they are taking new referrals, so you can shortlist suitable providers quickly.

Contact the provider directly with a complete referral: participant consent, NDIS number, plan-management type (self, plan or agency-managed), the relevant Capital budget or line items and any funded assessment hours, the goal the AT supports, the frequency or timeframe needed, and any existing assessment reports or clinical requirements. For higher-cost AT, flag whether an assessment and quote are already in the plan or still need to be arranged.

Novida is free to use and never sits in the middle of the referral — you contact the provider yourself and manage the relationship directly from there.

What to check before you refer

How it’s priced

Assistive technology is priced under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, with AT-specific pricing guidance published on ndis.gov.au. Low-cost AT has published price limits, while higher-cost and complex AT is generally quote-based — the supplier provides a quote the NDIA assesses against the plan, rather than charging a fixed hourly rate.

Coordinator FAQs — AT

Does a participant need an OT assessment before buying AT?
It depends on the item's cost and complexity. Low-cost, low-risk aids can usually be bought without a formal assessment. Higher-cost or complex AT — powered wheelchairs, custom seating, complex communication devices — generally needs an assessment and prescription from a suitably qualified allied health professional, often an occupational…
Which budget does AT come from?
Most substantial AT is funded from the participant's Capital support budget. Capital funding is not flexible — it can only be spent on the specific item it was allocated for, unlike Core funding. Some low-cost AT may sit within Core (Consumables). Always check the plan wording, because how the AT is stated affects what the participant can…
Do AT suppliers need to be NDIS-registered?
For NDIA (agency)-managed participants, the supplier must be an NDIS-registered provider. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use registered or unregistered suppliers, provided the purchase meets NDIS rules. Complex or higher-risk AT can carry additional requirements, so confirm registration status on Novida and check the…
What counts as low-cost AT?
Low-cost AT is lower-priced, lower-risk everyday equipment — basic daily-living aids, simple mobility items, or off-the-shelf devices. It can often be purchased without a separate quote or formal assessment, where it is reasonable and necessary and relates to the disability. The NDIS sets a low-cost threshold, so check the current figure…
Can AT be trialled before purchase?
Yes. Trials, short-term hire and loan equipment are part of the AT pathway, and are often recommended for complex items like powered wheelchairs or communication devices so the participant and assessor can confirm the right fit before committing. An OT or AT assessor usually coordinates the trial and documents the outcome in their…
Who pays for AT repairs and maintenance?
Repairs, maintenance and replacement of NDIS-funded AT are generally fundable supports. Depending on the plan, they may be covered by existing budgets or need to be requested. For complex equipment, some suppliers offer servicing arrangements. Check the participant's plan and the AT pricing guidance, and factor ongoing upkeep in when…
How long does complex AT take to arrange?
Complex AT can take time — assessment, trials, quotes, NDIA approval, then ordering and fitting, especially for custom-built equipment. Start early, particularly before a plan reassessment or if the participant's needs are changing. Keep the assessment report, quotes and any approvals together so the process moves quickly once funding is…
What information does an AT supplier need from me?
Provide participant consent, NDIS number, plan-management type, the relevant Capital budget or assessment line items, the goal the AT supports, and any existing assessment reports or clinical requirements. For higher-cost items, state whether an assessment and quote are already funded or still needed. A complete referral lets the supplier…

Related NDIS registration groups

How to check a provider’s credentials

More on Novida for coordinators