Prosthetics and Orthotics and the NDIS
How the NDIS approaches prosthetic limbs, orthoses and custom devices — assessment, funding and ongoing maintenance — explained in plain English.
Prosthetics and orthotics are among the most personal pieces of assistive technology there are, made and fitted to your body. This guide explains the difference between them, the specialist professionals who assess and build them, how the NDIS approaches funding, and why ongoing maintenance is such an important part of the picture.
Prosthetics and orthotics: the difference
The specialists who assess and build them
How the NDIS approaches funding
The process step by step
Maintenance and replacement
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a prosthesis and an orthosis?
A prosthesis replaces a missing body part, such as a prosthetic limb. An orthosis supports, aligns or improves the function of a part of the body that is present, such as a brace, splint or supportive footwear. Both are assistive technology, but they do different jobs.
Does the NDIS fund prosthetic limbs?
The NDIS can fund prosthetic limbs when they are reasonable and necessary and related to your disability. They are higher-cost, custom AT usually funded from the Capital budget and recommended through assessment by a prosthetist. Some needs may involve health services, so the right funder is worked…
Who makes and fits these devices?
Prosthetists and orthotists are the specialists who assess, design, build and fit prosthetics and orthotics, often working with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and your medical team. Because the devices are made to your body, the process involves measuring, casting or scanning, fitting and…
Why do prosthetics and orthotics need so many appointments?
Because they are built and fitted to your body. The process involves measuring or scanning, building the device, and then fitting and adjusting it until it works well. Good fit prevents pain, skin problems and falls, so the fitting appointments are as important as the device itself.
Does the NDIS pay for repairs and replacement?
Funding for repairs, servicing and replacement can be part of the picture, since these devices take real load and wear over time. Components, liners and sockets need renewing, and children outgrow devices. Our guide Repairs and maintenance of AT explains how this works and what to do when a device…
Might health services fund part of this?
Possibly. Some prosthetic and orthotic needs, particularly around the initial medical episode, may involve health services or other schemes rather than only the NDIS. Sorting out the right funder is part of a good assessment — a who-funds-what question we cover in the pillar guide.