A few weeks ago we shared an article on some impressive smart technologies assisting seniors in the day-to-day lives. However, in this piece, we want to share some of the assistive technologies which support a person with a disability to reach their potential at home, in the community and the workplace.
What are assistive technologies (AT)?
According to the NDIS website:
Assistive Technology (AT) provides the support a person with a disability might use to reach their potential at home, in the community and the workplace.
AT may be equipment or systems which help you with moving around your home or community, communicating with other people, processing information, and other daily tasks.
Supports may be included in your NDIS plan where it is reasonable and necessary support that will meet your needs and help you pursue your goals.
How do I know which technologies I need?
Like many technologies, AT ranges from the really simple to the very complex and sometimes you may need help to figure out what is the right AT solution for you.
The process you will follow to access AT in your NDIS plan will depend on:
- Your specific AT needs
- How complex your AT needs are
- How you manage your AT budget.
The NDIS uses four levels to describe the complexity of your AT needs, and the AT complexity table provides some guidance and examples.
Choosing assistive technology
NDIS participants can choose how they want to manage the funded supports in their plan.
Unless your plan indicates otherwise, you can choose the providers you want to deliver AT supports included in your plan.
You are generally able to use your NDIS funds to:
- Buy the AT outright; or
- Access the AT through rental, loan or other arrangements – this includes arrangements to access refurbished and reissued AT.
Understand what you can and can’t buy/loan with your AT funds:
Like many technologies, AT ranges from the really simple to the very complex and sometimes you may need help to figure out what is the right AT solution for you.
We use four levels to describe the complexity of your AT needs. The table below explains the different complexity levels of AT to help you identify, find and access the AT you need.
| Complexity Level | Description and Examples | Is an assessment required before I can access NDIS funds? | Where can I buy this AT? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 – Simple, low-risk AT | Simple, low-risk products and services that are easy to buy and need no or very little assistance to set up and use. Examples: Non-slip bath mat, large print labels, Doorbells. | Not required: These are every day AT items that you can easily access and test out that don’t cost much or require support. | You can choose to buy these from everyday suppliers. Examples: Your local store (hardware, pharmacy etc.); or Suppliers you find on the internet. |
| Level 2 – Standard AT | AT you can buy easily “off the shelf”, test and trial before making a final choice. However, you might need help to set up. Examples: Bath seat, Handrails, Ramp. | May be required: Depending on availability and your individual circumstance, you may require an assessment. | You can typically find this type of AT from an AT supplier. |
| Level 3 – Specialised AT solutions | Similar to Level 2 AT, but requires modification or is tailored to suit your needs. Examples: Desktop electronic magnification, Pressure mattresses. | Required: You will require experienced professional support to help identify and set up (and, in some cases train) before you can most effectively use it. | You should work with your AT assessor to identify suitable supplier/s from which you are able to source the most appropriate AT solution for your needs. |
| Level 4 – Complex AT solutions | Custom made AT which is specially made or configured for you, myoelectric prosthetic-cochlear implant speech processors. | Required: You will require specialist and/or ongoing support (including specialised training) to identify, buy and use. | You should work with your AT assessor to identify suitable supplier/s from which you are able to source the most appropriate AT solution for your needs. In some cases, the NDIA may indicate which providers are suitable. |
