What is assistive technology under the NDIS?

Assistive technology (AT) under the NDIS refers to equipment, devices, or systems that help participants do tasks they could not safely or independently do otherwise due to their disability. AT is funded under Capital Supports — Assistive Technology in your NDIS plan. Examples include wheelchairs, communication devices, shower chairs, ceiling hoists, and hearing aids.

What are examples of assistive tech devices under the NDIS?

Assistive tech devices funded under the NDIS range from simple daily-living aids to complex equipment. Common examples include manual and powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters, shower chairs, grab rails, reachers and dressing aids, communication (AAC) devices, ceiling hoists, hearing aids, prosthetics, and adaptive home or vehicle modifications. Low-cost assistive tech can usually be bought directly from your NDIS budget, while higher-cost devices need an OT assessment and NDIA approval before purchase. The categories above set out a fuller list of examples by cost tier.

Does the NDIS fund wheelchairs?

Yes. The NDIS can fund manual and powered wheelchairs as assistive technology. The type of wheelchair funded depends on your functional needs, as assessed by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Low-cost manual wheelchairs may be funded directly; powered wheelchairs and complex seating systems typically require a detailed AT assessment and NDIA approval before purchase.

How do I get an AT assessment?

An AT assessment is typically conducted by an occupational therapist (OT) or another allied health professional with AT specialisation. To get an assessment: ask your GP or specialist for a referral, or work with your support coordinator to find an AT-specialist OT. The assessment is usually funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living in your NDIS plan. The OT will assess your functional needs, trial suitable equipment, and write a prescription and justification report for the NDIA.

What is the difference between low-cost and high-cost AT?

Low-cost AT is generally under $1,500 per item and can be purchased directly from your Core Supports — Consumables budget or Assistive Technology budget without a formal AT assessment or NDIA pre-approval. High-cost AT (over $1,500) requires a formal AT assessment, NDIA approval, and in many cases a quote from an approved supplier. The higher the cost and complexity, the more rigorous the evidence and approval process.

Does NDIS fund communication devices (AAC)?

Yes. The NDIS funds Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices for participants who need them. This includes high-tech speech generating devices (SGDs), eye-gaze systems, and AAC apps on dedicated devices. An assessment by a speech pathologist with AAC specialisation is required. AAC is funded under Capital Supports — Assistive Technology and is treated as high-cost AT requiring NDIA approval.

Can I trial assistive technology before buying?

Yes, and for high-cost items it is strongly recommended. An AT trial allows you and your OT to confirm that the device is the right fit before committing to a purchase. Your NDIS plan may include AT trial funding, or your OT can arrange a trial through a supplier. For complex AT like powered wheelchairs or AAC devices, the NDIA expects evidence that an appropriate trial has occurred before approving a purchase.

Does NDIS fund hearing aids?

This depends on whether your hearing loss is primarily disability-related and not already covered by another scheme. The NDIS may fund hearing aids if hearing loss is a primary disability in your plan and the need is not met through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP). Adults eligible for the HSP (broadly, pensioner or concession card holders) are generally expected to access hearing aids through that program first. Speak with your audiologist and NDIA planner about your specific situation.

What happens to AT funding if my needs change?

If your AT needs change — for example, a progressive condition means you now need a powered wheelchair instead of a manual one — you can request a plan review with updated OT evidence. The NDIA will assess the new request as part of the review. AT funded in your current plan remains yours to use until the NDIA approves a replacement item.

Can I buy AT from any supplier?

If you are NDIA-managed, you generally need to purchase AT from a registered NDIS provider. Plan-managed and self-managed participants have more flexibility to use non-registered suppliers, though the NDIA still requires the AT to meet its funding criteria. Your OT may recommend specific suppliers or brands based on clinical suitability — it is important that the chosen item matches the AT prescription.

Does NDIS fund smart home technology?

The NDIS may fund smart home technology as AT where it directly addresses a functional impairment. For example, automated door openers, voice-activated environment controls, or smart lighting for a participant with limited mobility may be funded. General smart home devices used by everyone (e.g. a standard smart speaker) are not funded. An OT report linking the technology to a specific disability-related functional need is required.

What is the AT register and how does it work?

The NDIS Assistive Technology Register (sometimes called the AT register or ATSA register) is a list of NDIS-registered AT suppliers. For NDIA-managed participants, AT must generally be purchased from a registered supplier on this list. The register includes suppliers of wheelchairs, communication devices, prosthetics, orthotics, home modifications, and other AT categories. Your OT or support coordinator can help you identify suitable registered suppliers.

Can AT funding be used for repairs and maintenance?

Yes. AT funding can cover maintenance, repairs, and replacement parts for funded equipment. For items under $1,500, repair costs are generally funded from your AT or Consumables budget without pre-approval. For high-cost AT, repairs may require the NDIA to be notified. Ongoing maintenance contracts for complex AT (like power wheelchairs) can be written into your NDIS plan. Always keep records of what was repaired and the cost.

NDIS Assistive Technology Guide

Assistive technology (AT) — also called assistive tech — helps participants do tasks they could not safely or independently do otherwise due to their disability. Here is everything you need to know about NDIS AT funding, from low-cost items to complex equipment.

What is NDIS Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology under the NDIS refers to any equipment, device, or system that helps a participant perform tasks they cannot do safely or independently as a result of their disability. AT is funded under Capital Supports — Assistive Technology in your NDIS plan.

Unlike Core Supports (which fund ongoing human support), AT funding pays for physical items and equipment designed to reduce your reliance on support workers and increase your independence. The NDIA frames AT funding around the concept that it must be reasonable and necessary — meaning it must relate to your disability, represent value for money, and not be more appropriately funded by another scheme.

Key principle: AT funding is split into two broad streams — low-cost AT (under $1,500, minimal process) and higher-cost AT (over $1,500, requiring formal OT assessment and NDIA approval). The more complex and expensive the item, the more evidence the NDIA requires.

NDIS Assistive Tech Categories & Device Examples

Low-Cost AT

Under $1,500 per item

Can generally be purchased directly from your Assistive Technology or Consumables budget without a formal AT assessment or NDIA pre-approval.

·Shower chairs and bath seats
·Grab rails and handrails
·Reachers and dressing aids
·AAC apps (on participant's own device)
·Low-cost communication aids
·Continence products

Mid-Cost AT

$1,500 – $15,000

Requires a formal AT assessment and NDIA approval. An OT must prescribe the item and provide a written justification report.

·Powered wheelchairs (mid-range)
·Hearing aids (where NDIS is primary funder)
·AAC devices (dedicated SGDs)
·Motorised scooters
·Orthotic footwear and splints
·Specialised seating systems

High-Cost AT

Over $15,000

Requires a comprehensive AT assessment, trial evidence, NDIA approval, and in many cases multiple quotes. Complex review process.

·Complex power wheelchairs
·Ceiling hoists and tracking systems
·Complex communication systems (eye-gaze)
·Prosthetics and exoskeletons
·Standing frames and gait trainers
·Custom-built AT solutions

Vehicle Modifications

Varies significantly

Disability-specific modifications to a participant's vehicle. Requires a driver rehabilitation OT assessment.

·Hand controls and adaptive driving aids
·Wheelchair hoists and lifts
·Swivel seats and transfer aids
·Wheelchair passenger restraint systems

NDIS Vehicle Modifications Guide →

Home Modifications

Varies significantly

Structural changes to a participant's home — ramps, widened doorways, bathroom modifications. Requires OT assessment.

·Ramps and widened doorways
·Roll-in showers and grab rails
·Ceiling hoists and tracking
·Height-adjustable kitchen benchtops

NDIS Home Modifications Guide →

How to Get AT Funded in Your NDIS Plan

Get an AT assessment from an OT or AT specialist

An occupational therapist with AT specialisation assesses your functional needs, identifies suitable equipment, and arranges a trial where needed. The assessment is typically funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living.

Trial the equipment

For mid- and high-cost AT, a trial period confirms the item is clinically appropriate before purchase. Your OT will document the trial outcomes as part of the justification report.

Obtain a quote from an approved supplier

Get a formal quote from a registered NDIS AT supplier. For items over $15,000, the NDIA may require multiple quotes. The quote should reference the exact model and specification prescribed by your OT.

Submit the OT report and quote to the NDIA

Your support coordinator or LAC helps prepare the submission, including the OT assessment report, trial evidence, and quotes. Submit at your planning meeting, plan review, or as a mid-plan request.

Receive approval and purchase or lease

Once approved, the AT funding is added to your Capital Supports budget. You can then purchase or lease the item from your chosen supplier. Keep all invoices and receipts.

NDIS AT Assessor — What They Do

An AT assessor is typically an occupational therapist with specialist training in assistive technology prescription. Their role is critical in the NDIS AT process — the NDIA relies on the assessor's clinical judgement to justify funding decisions.

During an AT assessment, the assessor will:

Assess your functional needs

Evaluate how your disability affects your ability to complete daily tasks, communicate, move, and participate in community life.

Research and trial suitable equipment

Identify AT options that meet your needs, arrange supplier trials, and document the outcomes. For complex AT, this may involve multiple trial sessions.

Write the AT prescription

Prescribe the exact item (by brand, model, and specification) that meets your clinical needs. The prescription must match the quote from the supplier.

Write the NDIA justification report

Produce a written report for the NDIA explaining your functional needs, why the AT is reasonable and necessary, and why it represents value for money compared to alternatives.

Buying vs Leasing Assistive Technology Under NDIS

When to Buy

✓ Needs are stable and long-term
✓ Item has a long useful life (e.g. 5+ years)
✓ Buying represents better value for money over time
✓ Participant wants ownership and flexibility to modify
✓ Supplier does not offer a lease option

When to Lease

✓ Needs may change in the short term (e.g. post-surgery)
✓ Child still growing into equipment
✓ Want to trial before committing to purchase
✓ Lease includes maintenance and servicing
✓ Equipment is likely to be superseded by better technology

Ownership note: AT purchased through NDIS funding is the participant's property. The NDIA does not own or reclaim AT when a plan ends. However, the NDIA expects AT to be used for its funded purpose and will consider the remaining useful life of existing AT when assessing replacement requests.

What NDIS Will NOT Fund for Assistive Technology

✗

Everyday items not related to disability

A standard kitchen chair or smartphone used by everyone is not AT — even if it is also used by the participant. The item must address a specific functional impairment.

✗

Items already covered by Medicare

Some medical devices and aids (e.g. CPAP machines for sleep apnoea) are covered under Medicare or the Chronic Disease Management scheme and are not funded by the NDIS.

✗

Items covered by other schemes

If an item is available through the Hearing Services Program, WorkCover, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, or another government scheme, the NDIS expects you to access it there first.

✗

General fitness and wellbeing equipment

Exercise bikes, gym memberships, or standard sporting equipment are not AT, even if they support the participant's health. There must be a direct disability-related functional justification.

✗

AT without an OT prescription (for complex items)

For mid- and high-cost AT, an OT assessment and written justification is required. The NDIA will not approve high-cost AT without appropriate clinical evidence.

Related NDIS Guides

NDIS Vehicle Modifications →NDIS Home Modifications →NDIS Funding Categories Explained →Improved Daily Living (OT & Therapy) →NDIS Support Coordination Perth →NDIS Australia — Complete Guide →

NDIS Assistive Technology — FAQ

Need Help Navigating AT Funding in Perth?

Help Alliance provides NDIS support coordination, daily living assistance, and support worker services across Joondalup, Stirling, and Wanneroo. Our support coordinators can help you access AT assessments, prepare NDIA submissions, and connect you with quality AT providers.