Assistive technology is one initiative that proves NDIS’s commitment to empowering individuals with special needs. You can access various NDIS assistive technology devices, including mobile apps, chair raisers, and power wheelchairs. Moreover, NDIA provides all-inclusive funding, including low-cost assistive technology, to ensure disabled people enjoy a higher quality of life.
What Is Low-Cost Assistive Technology?
NDIS low-cost assistive technology refers to useful equipment and devices that promote independence and enhance the quality of life. It is one of three categories under the NDIS assistive technology initiative (mid-cost and high-cost assistive technology) and is valued at up to $1,500. Generally, NDIS considers low-risk items that are easy to set up or day-to-day items you can get off the shelf as low-cost assistive technology.
What Items and Devices Fall Under Low-Cost Assistive Technology?
NDIS provides funding for several low-risk devices and equipment ranging from communication, mobility, simple bathing and toileting to daily living solutions. Below is an overview of low-cost AT and cost approximations.
- Basic Domestic ($50-$250): assistive items for dishwashing, kitchen trolley, laundry adaptations, kitchen stool, and overbed tables.
- Daily living solutions ($50): adaptive cutlery, non-slip bathmats, and low-tech devices that aid in dressing and other daily activities.
- Transfer Equipment ($50-$300): swivel disc, car transfer pad, hoist sling replacements, slide board, and slide sheet.
- Basic seating ($50-$300): adjustable chair, bed and chair raisers.
- Communication ($100-$1500): low-tech visual schedules and communication books, talking buttons, electronic switches, and small devices like BIGmack.
- Mobility ($50-$500): walking sticks, elbow crutches, quad stick, and rollator.
- Prosthetics ($200-$1500): yearly replacement knee sleeves, foot orthoses, custom footwear, replacement silicone liner, and replacement covers for a prosthesis.
- Hearing ($500-$1000): low-tech alerting systems for your phone, doorbell, or smoke alarm, Cochlear accessories, and streamers.
There’s an extensive list of additional low-cost assistive technology for continence, simple bathing and toileting, vision, and prosthetics. Check the core consumables and core budget to find the low-cost funding at your disposal.
How to Access Low-Cost Assistive Technology?
If you already have an NDIS plan, contact the agency and ask to include assistive technology. Alternatively, contact third-party agencies like NDSP plan managers for NDIS low-cost assistive technology services.
However, your low-cost assistive technology must meet the NDIS funding criteria, including evidence to prove your disability. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) then analyses your condition to determine suitable low-cost assistive technology devices.
In addition, you should highlight how the NDIS assistive technology will help you achieve your goals. Generally, NDIS funds support that fall under reasonable and necessary supports. You need professional providers like NDSP plan managers who understand various NDIS AT options.
How to Pay for Low-Cost Assistive Technology?
You can personally pay for your low-cost assistive technology or through registered and unregistered providers. Ultimately, the funding at your disposal depends on how you manage your NDIS plan. For example,
- Self-management: You will purchase your assistive technology from a provider of your choice and claim payment from the NDIS portal. However, you’ll use your money and wait for reimbursement.
- Agency management: This option only allows you access to registered NDIS providers. All your AT will be available once you create a service booking.
- Plan-managed: This option is the most flexible because it gives you access to registered and unregistered providers. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about the initial payment because your plan manager will utilise your NDIS funds for payment.
Low-cost assistive technology is low-risk and readily accessible, meaning NDIS deals with many daily requests. NDSP plan managers will help you access several low-cost assistive technologies and receive timely reimbursements. Lastly, check out the website for additional NDIS funding support from our highly-trained team across Australia.
