Technology and digital skills
Building digital confidence with the NDIS — using devices, staying safe online and keeping connected, and how support helps you learn these skills.
So much of daily life now runs through a screen — messaging friends, banking, booking appointments, staying in touch. The NDIS can support you to build digital confidence where using technology is hard because of your disability. This guide covers using devices, staying safe online, and keeping connected, and how support helps you learn these skills.
Why digital skills matter
Building digital confidence step by step
Devices, apps and assistive technology
Staying safe online
Staying connected
Frequently asked questions
Can the NDIS help me learn to use a phone or computer?
Yes, where using technology is hard because of your disability and support is reasonable and necessary. Learning digital skills usually sits in Capacity Building, built around a goal like staying connected or banking online more independently.
Will the NDIS buy me a phone or tablet?
Not automatically — everyday devices are ordinary items everyone buys. Where a device is genuinely needed as assistive technology, such as a communication aid, it is assessed on its own terms. Raise it with your planner or an occupational therapist.
Is learning technology Capacity Building or something else?
Support to learn to use technology is usually Capacity Building, because the goal is building a skill and it is expected to taper. Funding a device that meets a disability-related need is a separate assistive technology question, assessed differently.
Can support help me stay safe online?
Yes. Recognising scams, keeping information private and knowing who to trust are real skills that support can help you build. This overlaps with staying financially safe in the money and budgeting guide, since many scams are about money.
What accessibility features can help?
Most phones and computers include larger text, voice control, screen readers and captions, which cost nothing to switch on and can make a big difference. Learning to set these up is often part of digital skills support.
How can technology help me stay connected?
Video calls, messaging and online groups can reduce isolation and build confidence. Naming a clear goal — like video calling family or joining an online group you enjoy — helps support build towards it, and connects to the social skills guide.