Did you know a piece of technology can completely change or enhance the way a person lives their life? Well, Assistive Technology (AT) does just that.

When it comes to achieving your NDIS goals, AT may be able to help you. But how do you know if you’re eligible to access AT in your NDIS plan?

If you have funding allocated in your NDIS plan for AT, ISM may be able to help you choose the right technology to suit your unique needs and lifestyle.

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology is any device, software or other mechanisms which assists in a person’s daily living circumstances, or aids in a person’s rehabilitation. AT also increases the ease and safety when performing certain tasks.

Are you eligible for assistive technology?

To be deemed eligible for AT in your NDIS plan, a ‘need’ for AT must be identified.

If your ‘need’ is deemed reasonable and necessary, an AT placeholder is funded in your plan. The placeholder has a certain dollar value attached to it until a participant has an assessment completed from an Occupational Therapist. Once the assessment is accepted by the NDIS, the funding is granted to the value of the quote submitted by the OT.

What kind of assistive technology is available?

When you start looking for AT, the item must be deemed reasonable and necessary for your lifestyle requirements.

Assistive technology can range from ultra-practical equipment that will help a person live a fuller life – to equipment which will add variety and joy to their life as well.

Here are a few examples of AT that is available.

Wheelchair or mobility aids
Hearing aids
Bath seats
Memory assisting technology (cognition aids)
Voice recognition programs and other visual assistance software for computers
Educational aids (book holders, grips for pens and pencils)
Sporting equipment
Ramps and bars
Modified gaming equipment

If you are eligible to access AT, and the technology is deemed reasonable and necessary, you can be as creative as you like when it comes to selecting your equipment.

But it is important to understand that a person’s unique circumstances can determine whether or not you can access certain types of AT.

For more detailed information and examples, please refer to the NDIS AT Complexity Level Classification document (DOCX 1.4MB)

Got questions? Give our team at ISM a call on 1800 954 559 to discuss your needs. To sign up, click below.