What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is a device, piece of equipment, software program or product system that is used to help maintain or improve a participant’s functional capacity

and quality of life. AT can help you do something more easily or safely in the home and/or community.

Assistive technology offers a wide range of benefits to individuals, empowering them to lead more independent, productive, and fulfilling lives.

AT can:

Enhance independence
Improve access to information
Increase social inclusion
Create greater employment opportunities
Improve mobility and accessibility
Enhance safety and well-being, and
Enhance empowerment and confidence.

Understanding AT product risk:

As helpful as AT is, it is important to be aware of the potential risks these technologies can also carry. ‘Product risk’ is the potential harm an AT can have on a person when used in their daily living environment. Product risk is used to assess the complexity of your AT needs and is categorised as low and high risk:

Low Risk

Unlikely to cause harm in daily life
Can be purchased in a retail store
Available to trial prior to purchase
Easy to set up
Does not require professional advice

High Risk

It could be one or more of the following:

Complex: such as a powered wheelchair
Known to have caused harm
Used for a restrictive practice
Requires professional advice, setup or training for safe use

( Low and High risk outline sourced from: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology-explained)

If your AT needs are considered high-risk, you should seek appropriate professional help, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, before proceeding with leasing or purchasing.

If you are in need of AT, it is important to note that AT cannot be funded if other government services are more appropriate for funding an item. Detailed on the NDIS website are the reasonable and necessary criteria AT must meet.

The NDIA has different processing methods depending on the cost of the AT needed.

Low Cost: Below $1,500

If you have low-cost AT funds in your NDIS, you can purchase AT without further requirements.

Medium Cost: Between $1,500 - $14,999

require written evidence (supporting letter) from an independent AT advisor before it can be approved in your NDIS plan

An AT advisor could include:
a GP
Allied Health Practitioners
Assistive technology mentors
Nurse continence specialist
Rehabilitation engineers
other qualified practitioners

High Cost: Above $15,000

Require an assessment by a professional AT advisor
Require a quote

Here are some examples of assistive technology:

Adjustable height desk
Fixed and movable grab rails
Exercise equipment
Leg trainer Active and passive exercise bike for motorized movement of legs
Power Assist Wheelchair
Kettle Tipper
Electric Bed
Exercise arm bike
Standing frame
Auto Powered Bath Lift