What counts as assistive technology on the NDIS?

Assistive technology is any equipment, device or technology that helps you do something more easily, safely or independently because of your disability. It ranges from simple aids like grab rails and modified cutlery through to complex items such as powered wheelchairs, hoists and communication devices that help people who cannot use speech.

Do I always need an occupational therapist assessment for AT?

Not always. Simple, low-cost, low-risk AT usually needs little or no formal assessment. Higher-cost, customised or higher-risk items generally do need an assessment from an occupational therapist or another allied health professional. The level of assessment and evidence scales with the cost and risk of the item you are requesting.

Where does AT sit in my NDIS plan?

Assistive technology usually sits in the Capital budget of your plan, which is for higher-cost, one-off items like equipment. Capital funding is often stated, meaning it is set aside for a specific purpose and generally cannot be spent flexibly on other things. Your assessment helps identify what the funding is for.

What does stated funding mean for AT?

Stated funding means the money is allocated for a specific purpose and generally must be used for that item or type of support. Because complex AT is often stated, it is usually tied to the specific equipment that was assessed and quoted. This is why a clear assessment identifying the item is important.

Can I trial equipment before it is funded?

Often, yes. Trialling is common for complex AT like wheelchairs and communication devices, so you can check the item suits you in real situations before a final decision. Your assessor can frequently arrange trials. Trialling helps make sure the recommended equipment is the right fit before larger funding is committed.

Does the NDIS cover repairs and maintenance for AT?

Repairs and maintenance can be part of your plan, because equipment needs to keep working for you to stay safe and independent. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of expensive items. Keeping records, warranties and assessments makes arranging repairs and eventual replacement easier when equipment wears out or no longer meets your needs.

A guide to assistive technology on the NDIS

From low-cost aids to complex equipment — how assistive technology is assessed and funded.

Assistive technology, often shortened to AT, is any equipment, device or technology that helps you do things more easily, safely or independently. It ranges from simple everyday aids through to complex, custom-built equipment, and it is a common part of many NDIS plans.

The NDIS can fund AT when it is reasonable and necessary and represents value for money. This guide explains what counts as AT, how the level of assessment and evidence scales with the cost and risk of the item, where AT usually sits in your plan, and how trialling, repairs and replacement work.

In this guide

Assistive technology is equipment, devices and technology that help you do things more easily or safely, from simple aids to complex items like wheelchairs and communication devices.
The level of assessment and evidence generally scales with the cost and risk of the item, so low-cost AT needs less than complex AT.
Higher-cost or complex AT usually needs an assessment from an occupational therapist or other allied health professional, plus quotes.
AT usually sits in the Capital budget of your plan and is often stated, meaning the funding is set aside for a specific purpose.
AT must be reasonable and necessary and value for money, and your plan can cover trialling, repairs, maintenance and replacement.

What assistive technology is

Assistive technology is a broad term for anything that helps you complete a task you would otherwise find difficult, unsafe or impossible to do on your own. The point of AT is to increase your independence, safety and participation, whether that is at home, at work, at school or out in the community.

AT covers a huge range of items. At the simpler end are everyday aids like modified cutlery, grab rails, non-slip mats or a shower stool. In the middle are things like specialised seating, ramps or hearing devices. At the more complex end are items such as powered wheelchairs, hoists, and communication devices that help people who cannot use speech to get their message across.

Not everything you might find helpful counts as fundable AT. The NDIS looks at whether the item relates to your disability, whether it is likely to help you pursue your goals, and whether it is the sort of support the scheme should reasonably fund rather than something a person would usually buy anyway. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations before you request an item.

Low-cost to complex AT

AT is often grouped by how much it costs and how much risk is involved, because this affects how much evidence and assessment is needed. Low-cost AT tends to be simple, widely available items that are lower risk and easier to choose. Because these items are straightforward, they usually need less formal assessment before you buy them.

As items become more expensive, more customised or higher risk, the requirements step up. Mid-range AT might need advice from a suitably qualified person to make sure you get the right item. Higher-cost and complex AT, such as custom wheelchairs or complex communication systems, generally needs a detailed assessment and quotes because the wrong choice could be costly, unsafe or hard to reverse.

The general principle is that the level of assessment and evidence scales with the cost and the risk. Simple, cheap, low-risk items are treated lightly, while expensive, specialised or safety-critical items need more care. This approach is designed to keep low-cost AT easy to access while making sure bigger decisions are properly informed. The exact thresholds and rules are set out in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits and guidance on ndis.gov.au.

How AT is assessed

For anything beyond simple low-cost items, an assessment by an allied health professional is usually the starting point. An occupational therapist is one of the most common professionals involved in AT, but depending on the item it might be a physiotherapist, speech pathologist or another specialist. Their job is to work out what you actually need, not just what looks good in a catalogue.

A good assessment considers your disability, your goals, your home and environment, and how you will use the item day to day. The assessor recommends the most suitable option, explains why it fits your needs, and helps make sure it is the right size, type and features for you. This evidence is important because it shows the item is reasonable and necessary rather than just a preference.

For higher-cost AT you will generally also need one or more quotes from suppliers. The combination of a professional assessment and quotes gives the NDIS the information it needs to decide whether to fund the item and how much to allocate. Providing clear, complete evidence up front usually makes the process smoother and reduces back-and-forth delays.

How AT is funded

Assistive technology usually sits in the Capital budget of your NDIS plan. The Capital budget is for higher-cost, one-off items like equipment and home modifications, and it works differently from your other budgets. Funding in the Capital budget is often stated, which means it is set aside for a specific purpose and generally cannot be spent flexibly on other things.

Because AT funding is often stated, it is important that the assessment clearly identifies what the item is for. If your plan includes funding for a specific piece of equipment, that funding is meant for that purpose. Lower-cost AT can sometimes be more flexible, but complex AT is typically tied to the specific item that was assessed and quoted.

The overarching rule is that AT must be reasonable and necessary and represent value for money. Value for money does not simply mean the cheapest option; it means the item is an effective and appropriate way to meet your need at a reasonable cost. The NDIS weighs the benefit the item provides against its cost, and against other options that might do the same job.

Trialling, repairs and replacement

For many types of AT, especially more complex equipment, it makes sense to trial an item before committing to it. Trialling lets you check that a wheelchair, communication device or other equipment actually suits you in real situations before a final decision is made. Your assessor can often arrange trials so you are confident the recommended item is the right fit.

AT also needs looking after over time. Repairs and maintenance can be part of your plan, because equipment that breaks down or wears out needs to keep working for you to stay safe and independent. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of expensive equipment and prevent bigger problems later.

Equipment does not last forever, and needs can change as your situation changes. When an item wears out, no longer fits, or no longer meets your needs, replacement AT may be considered. It helps to keep records of your equipment, warranties and any assessments so that repairs and replacements are easier to arrange when the time comes.

Getting AT in your plan

The path to getting AT funded depends on the item. For low-cost, low-risk AT the process is generally simpler, while higher-cost or complex items need more preparation. In all cases, connecting the item back to your disability and your goals is what makes the request stronger.

A practical approach is to start by identifying the problem you are trying to solve and the goal the item would support. From there, arrange an assessment with a suitable allied health professional if the item warrants one, and gather quotes for higher-cost equipment. Bring this evidence to your planning meeting or plan review, or submit it as your plan requires, so the NDIS can consider it.

If you are unsure where to begin, an occupational therapist, your support coordinator, a Local Area Coordinator, or the resources on ndis.gov.au can point you in the right direction. Being clear about what you need, why you need it, and how it helps you live more independently gives you the best chance of getting the right assistive technology in your plan.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as assistive technology on the NDIS?: Assistive technology is any equipment, device or technology that helps you do something more easily, safely or independently because of your disability. It ranges from simple aids like grab rails and modified cutlery through to complex items such as powered wheelchairs, hoists and communication devices that help people who cannot use speech.
Do I always need an occupational therapist assessment for AT?: Not always. Simple, low-cost, low-risk AT usually needs little or no formal assessment. Higher-cost, customised or higher-risk items generally do need an assessment from an occupational therapist or another allied health professional. The level of assessment and evidence scales with the cost and risk of the item you are requesting.
Where does AT sit in my NDIS plan?: Assistive technology usually sits in the Capital budget of your plan, which is for higher-cost, one-off items like equipment. Capital funding is often stated, meaning it is set aside for a specific purpose and generally cannot be spent flexibly on other things. Your assessment helps identify what the funding is for.
What does stated funding mean for AT?: Stated funding means the money is allocated for a specific purpose and generally must be used for that item or type of support. Because complex AT is often stated, it is usually tied to the specific equipment that was assessed and quoted. This is why a clear assessment identifying the item is important.
Can I trial equipment before it is funded?: Often, yes. Trialling is common for complex AT like wheelchairs and communication devices, so you can check the item suits you in real situations before a final decision. Your assessor can frequently arrange trials. Trialling helps make sure the recommended equipment is the right fit before larger funding is committed.
Does the NDIS cover repairs and maintenance for AT?: Repairs and maintenance can be part of your plan, because equipment needs to keep working for you to stay safe and independent. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of expensive items. Keeping records, warranties and assessments makes arranging repairs and eventual replacement easier when equipment wears out or no longer meets your needs.
What does value for money mean for assistive technology?: Value for money does not simply mean the cheapest option. It means the item is an effective and appropriate way to meet your need at a reasonable cost. The NDIS weighs the benefit an item provides against its cost and against other options that could do the same job when deciding whether to fund it.
How do I get assistive technology added to my plan?: Start by identifying the problem and the goal the item supports. Arrange an assessment with a suitable allied health professional if the item warrants one, and gather quotes for higher-cost equipment. Bring this evidence to your planning meeting or plan review. A support coordinator, occupational therapist or LAC can help you get started.

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