It’s the 21st century. Technology and increased technological advancement have become almost commonplace. And, with our faces in our iPhones, sometimes our appreciation of technology can dwindle. We can think longingly of the simpler times, where we, you know, touched grass more and didn’t have cramping necks so often.
But, what we can praise technological advancements for is its ability to increase our independence. Especially for those with a disability.
Through your NDIS funding, you could be entitled to devices and tools that can improve your:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Activities of daily life
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology is where innovation meets accessibility: where devices (like a speaking device) or equipment (like a cane/crutch) can support you to do things you might not be able to do due to your disability diagnosis.
Usually it makes things easier for you or makes things safer for you.
Am I eligible to get assistive technology through the NDIS?
As with all of your NDIS supports, they must meet the reasonable and necessary criteria. If you don’t have trouble speaking, then your NDIS Plan will not have a section for a communication device for you.
NDIS supports are personalised to you, and must be considered reasonable and necessary.
Also, the NDIS cannot fund items that are funded by another governmental scheme or service. For example, hearing devices might be funded through Hearing Australia and therefore your NDIS funding does not need to cover that.
Smaller items of assistive technology (such as continence aids – yup, this is considered AT, too) could be funded from your Core Supports, but larger items that require assessments (referred to as AT Assessments) by doctors and therapists such as a mobility scooter will come from Capital Supports.
If an assessment is required for the funding, then you might notice upwards of $500 in your Capital Building Supports for an AT Assessment; this means the NDIS needs to see documentation based on your needs so that they can create a new NDIS Plan to include your Assistive Technology funding.
And, if you believe you require assistive technology to reach your goals and improve your independence, then it’s worth talking to your NDIS Planner or your Support Coordinator. Especially if you’re unsure.
Low-cost assistive technology
As we’ve mentioned above, assistive technology is quite a broad term. That’s why the NDIS likes to categorise it.
Low-cost AT are things that can be funded (usually) from your Core Supports. These can include:
- Canes
- Adaptive eating tools (for example curved cutlery that fits in your hands better to improve independent eating)
- Subtitle/closed caption app
- Handrails
A simple OT assessment can provide documentation for above.
Mid-cost assistive technology
On the more complex side, we can see the below items might require more funding and therefore further assessments:
- Text-to-speech technology
- Hearing aids
- Medication reminder device
- Adaptive keyboards
- Voice recognition software
High-cost assistive technology
Some technology requires a lot more funding and assessments. These tend to be bigger items (though this isn’t always the case as speech technology can also be costly depending on how advanced it is, and can be relatively small).
The below tools and devices are quite complex and will require specialised assessments to ensure you get the right funding from Capital Supports.
- Speech-generating devices (for example, these can be based on brain activity rather than the participant typing something first – how advanced is that!)
- Ramps
- Stair-lifts
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters
- Smart Braille maps
Key takeaways
Remember that your NDIS plan is your roadmap to a more empowered and independent future. And, assistive technology can be a huge asset.
Though the assessments, budgeting and training might seem like overkill, it’s all completely necessary for you to benefit from assistive technology that’s personalised to you and your needs.
You’re not just acquiring technology; you’re unlocking a world of possibilities tailored to your unique strengths and challenges.
Wondering if you can benefit from assistive technology, and not sure if you already have the funds in your current NDIS Plan? Ring the NDIS today, or lean on your Support Coordinator and Planner for help.
References:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology-explained