Repairs and Maintenance of Assistive Technology
Keeping AT working: funding for repairs and servicing, what to do when equipment breaks, and how the NDIS approaches replacing worn-out AT.
Assistive technology only helps when it is working. Wheelchairs need servicing, batteries fade, components wear and devices occasionally break at the worst moment. This guide explains how to keep your AT in good shape, how the NDIS approaches funding for repairs and servicing, what to do when equipment fails, and how replacement is considered when a device reaches the end of its life.
Why maintenance matters
How the NDIS approaches repairs and servicing
What to do when equipment breaks
When a device needs replacing
Planning ahead
Frequently asked questions
Does the NDIS pay for AT repairs?
Funding for repairs, servicing and maintenance can be part of the picture for AT you rely on, because a device is only worth funding if it can be kept working. How it is arranged depends on the item and your plan — some equipment has warranty or service arrangements, and some repairs are unexpected.…
What should I do if my equipment breaks?
Check for any safety issue and stop using it if unsafe, then contact the supplier or repairer, as warranty may apply. Ask about interim or loan equipment so you are not left without support, tell your plan manager or planner if repair funding needs arranging, and keep records of the fault and…
Can I get loan equipment while mine is repaired?
Often yes. Many suppliers and services can provide interim or loan equipment so you are not left without essential support while your device is fixed. It is worth asking about backup options ahead of time, especially for equipment you rely on to move or communicate.
How does the NDIS handle replacing worn-out AT?
Replacement is considered much like the original request — whether a new device is reasonable and necessary, whether your needs have changed, and whether replacing rather than repairing is value for money. Significant changes may be looked at through a reassessment. Raising it early leaves time for…
Who maintains equipment from other systems?
Where a device is provided by another system rather than the NDIS — such as some hearing devices through the Hearing Services Program — that system generally handles its own maintenance and replacement. Knowing which system funds your device tells you who to contact when it needs attention.
How can I avoid being stranded by a breakdown?
Plan ahead. Learn your equipment's care routine and warning signs, keep supplier and repairer details handy, know which system funds the device, ask about interim or backup equipment before you need it, and raise wear or changing needs early rather than waiting for a device to fail completely.