Trialling Assistive Technology
Why trialling AT before you buy matters, how loan pools and short-term trials work, how trials fit the NDIS process, and how to avoid the wrong device.
With higher-cost assistive technology, the best way to know a device suits you is to use it for a while first. Trialling means trying equipment before committing, often through a loan or short-term arrangement. This guide explains why trials matter, how loan pools work, where trialling fits in the NDIS process, and how it helps you avoid ending up with the wrong device.
Why trialling matters
How trials and loan pools work
Where trials fit in the process
Avoiding the wrong device
Making the most of a trial
Frequently asked questions
Why should I trial AT before buying?
Because a device can seem right and still not suit you in real life. Trialling lets you and your supporters test equipment in the settings you actually use, over enough time to notice problems. Since higher-cost AT funding is usually tied to a specific item, a trial helps you avoid a costly…
What is a loan pool?
A loan pool is a stock of equipment that some services keep so people can borrow a device for a trial period before anything is bought. It lets you try before you commit. Suppliers may also lend or demonstrate devices, and interim loan equipment can keep you going while you wait for a final device.
Where does trialling fit in the NDIS process?
Trialling usually sits between assessment and the final funding decision. The assessment identifies the type of device you need, the trial confirms which particular device works, and the results feed into the evidence and quotes that support the funding request. It strengthens the whole assessment.
How long should a trial last?
Long enough to move past the novelty and see how the device feels in everyday life. There is no single answer — it depends on the equipment and how you will use it. The aim is to try it across the real situations you care about so you can judge it honestly.
Who should be involved in a trial?
You, your assessor, and the people who will help you use the device — family, support workers or teachers. If your supporters cannot operate or support the device comfortably, that is important to discover during the trial rather than after the device is bought.
What if the device isn't right?
Then the trial has done its job. Being honest that a device does not suit you is exactly what trialling is for, and it is far better to find out before the purchase. Share what did not work with your assessor so the recommendation can change while there is still flexibility.