NDIS Funding for Assistive Technology: 10 Questions Answered

Assistive technology (AT) is one of the most useful - and most confusing - parts of the NDIS. Whether you are looking at a simple shower chair or a custom power wheelchair, the rules around what gets funded, how much evidence you need, and who can help you choose can feel overwhelming. This article answers the 10 questions that participants, families and carers ask most often, in plain language, so you can approach your next planning conversation with confidence.

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What is assistive technology under the NDIS?

Q. What counts as assistive technology under the NDIS?

Under the NDIS, assistive technology refers to any equipment, device, or system that helps a person with disability do something they would otherwise find difficult or impossible - things like moving around, communicating, seeing, hearing, or managing daily tasks. The NDIS groups AT into four risk and complexity levels, from Level 1 (low cost, low risk, like a non-slip bath mat) through to Level 4 (high complexity, like a powered wheelchair with custom seating).

The key test is whether the AT item is "reasonable and necessary" for your disability-related needs, as defined in your NDIS plan. That means the item must be related to your disability, represent value for money, and help you pursue your goals. The NDIA looks at whether the support is something the general community would fund (a standard item most people buy anyway, like a regular chair) or whether the disability connection is clear.

It is worth knowing that AT is funded under the "Capital Supports" budget in most NDIS plans, which is a separate, purpose-specific budget. You cannot swap Capital Supports funding across to other budget categories without NDIA approval.

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How is AT funding included in an NDIS plan?

Q. How does AT funding get added to my NDIS plan?

AT funding is usually included in your plan after you request it - either at your initial planning meeting or at a plan review. You will generally need to provide evidence that the item is linked to your disability and that it is the most appropriate solution for your needs. For lower-cost items (Level 1 and some Level 2), a brief statement from a health professional may be enough. For higher-complexity items, a full AT assessment by a qualified AT assessor (often an occupational therapist or physiotherapist) is typically required.

The NDIA does not fund AT speculatively. That means if an item is not specifically discussed and approved in your plan, the funding may not be there when you need it. This is why it pays to be thorough during planning meetings and to bring supporting reports with you. If you are working with a support coordinator, they can help you prepare documentation and make sure AT needs are raised clearly.

If your AT needs change between plan reviews - for example, your condition progresses or a device is damaged - you can request an unscheduled plan review. The NDIA will consider the evidence you provide and may approve a plan variation.

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What evidence do I need to get AT funded?

Q. What evidence does the NDIA need before they will fund assistive technology?

The level of evidence required depends on the complexity and cost of the item. For Level 1 AT (low cost, low risk items under roughly $1,500), you may only need a brief written recommendation from a health professional. For Level 2 and above, the NDIA typically expects an AT assessment report from a qualified assessor, often an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or specialist AT advisor.

For high-complexity Level 3 and Level 4 items - such as custom seating, communication devices, or powered mobility - the NDIA usually requires a detailed AT assessment that covers your functional needs, the trial of the proposed item, and confirmation that this specific solution is the right fit. Some complex items also require a quote from a supplier and a support needs assessment.

The best approach is to start the evidence-gathering process early, well before your plan review date. Waiting until the last minute can mean delays in getting the item funded and delays in receiving it. An experienced support coordinator or Local Area Coordinator can help you understand what documentation is needed for your specific situation.

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Can I choose my own AT supplier?

Q. Can I choose which provider or supplier I buy my assistive technology from?

Yes, in most cases you can choose your own AT supplier, as long as they are a registered NDIS provider for the relevant support category. For some lower-complexity items, you may even be able to use an unregistered supplier if your plan is self-managed or plan-managed. If your plan is agency-managed (NDIA-managed), you must use a registered provider.

Choosing a supplier who understands your specific AT needs is important. A good supplier will work with your assessor to make sure the item is configured correctly for you, offer training on how to use it, and provide ongoing maintenance and repairs. You are not locked into one supplier forever - if your needs change or you are unhappy with the service, you can work with a new provider.

If you want to compare providers who deliver AT supports, you can browse NDIS assistive technology providers on OpenWay to see who is operating in your area and what services they offer. Reading provider profiles before making contact can save a lot of time.

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What is an AT trial and do I have to do one?

Q. Do I need to trial assistive technology before the NDIA will fund it?

For most mid-to-high complexity items, yes - a trial is strongly recommended and often expected by the NDIA before they will approve funding. The purpose of a trial is to confirm that the specific item actually works for you in your real environment, not just in a clinic. Trials are usually arranged through your AT assessor or an AT supplier and can happen at home, at school, or in the community.

Trials matter because AT is expensive and highly individual. What works well for one person may be completely wrong for another, even if they have similar diagnoses. A trial gives you the chance to test the item, identify any adjustments needed, and make sure you are comfortable using it before a large funding commitment is made.

If a trial is not possible (for example, the item is highly custom or not available in your region), your assessor will need to document why and provide strong clinical reasoning for the recommendation. The NDIA will review this as part of the approval process.

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What happens if my AT is lost, stolen or damaged?

Q. What does the NDIS cover if my assistive technology is lost, stolen or broken?

The NDIS does not automatically cover loss, theft or accidental damage - that is the role of insurance. The NDIA expects participants to maintain appropriate insurance for high-value AT items, particularly powered mobility equipment. If your item is stolen, your home and contents insurance or a specialist disability equipment policy would usually be the first port of call.

For repairs and maintenance, the NDIS does fund reasonable upkeep costs for AT items that were originally funded through your plan. You will need to use a registered AT provider for repairs if your plan is agency-managed. Wear and tear over time is expected, and your plan should include some provision for maintenance, especially for complex items.

If an item is damaged beyond repair and needs replacing, you would generally need to go through the plan review or variation process again, providing evidence of the need and, where relevant, a quote for the replacement. Keeping records of your equipment - including serial numbers, purchase receipts and any repair history - makes this process much smoother.

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Can AT funding be used to pay for apps or software?

Q. Can NDIS AT funding cover apps, software or digital tools?

Yes, in some cases. The NDIA does fund certain software and digital tools that meet the "reasonable and necessary" test and are clearly linked to a participant's disability-related needs. Common examples include communication apps for people with speech difficulties (such as AAC apps), screen readers for people with vision impairment, and specialised software for cognitive or learning disabilities.

The key question is whether the app or software is specifically designed for disability use, or whether it is a general-purpose tool that most people use anyway. A mainstream app that happens to be helpful is unlikely to be funded. A communication app that replaces or supplements speech for someone with a communication disability is a much stronger candidate.

Subscriptions and ongoing licensing costs can sometimes be funded as well, but this needs to be included in your plan. Speak with your AT assessor or support coordinator about how to frame the request in a way that clearly links the software to your functional needs and goals.

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What is the difference between AT and home modifications?

Q. Is there a difference between assistive technology and home modifications under the NDIS?

Yes, they are funded differently. Assistive technology refers to portable or moveable items - equipment you can take with you if you move house. Home modifications refer to structural or fixed changes to a property, such as installing grab rails, widening doorways, or building a ramp. Both are funded under the Capital Supports budget, but they have separate line items and different assessment requirements.

In practice, the two often go hand in hand. A person may need both a shower commode chair (AT) and a roll-in shower (home modification) to meet their bathing needs safely. An occupational therapist can assess for both at the same time and provide recommendations that cover the full picture.

If you are exploring both AT and home modifications, it is worth letting your planner know upfront so both can be included in your plan. Trying to add one later through a plan variation takes more time and effort than getting both approved together from the start.

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Can a support coordinator help me with AT?

Q. Can my support coordinator help me navigate assistive technology funding?

Absolutely. Support coordinators are well placed to help you understand what AT is available, connect you with appropriate AT assessors, and make sure your plan includes the right funding for the items you need. They can also help you shortlist and contact AT suppliers, review quotes, and coordinate the trial process.

Support coordinators are not AT assessors themselves - they cannot write the clinical reports that the NDIA requires. But they can manage the process around those assessments: scheduling appointments, chasing paperwork, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. For participants who find the AT system confusing or time-consuming, having a skilled support coordinator involved can make a significant difference.

If you are a support coordinator looking for tools to help you manage provider shortlisting and enquiries more efficiently, the OpenWay support coordinator workspace is designed to support exactly that kind of work.

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How do I find a good AT assessor or provider?

Q. How do I find a qualified AT assessor or a reliable AT provider?

Finding the right AT assessor usually starts with your GP, specialist, or support coordinator, who can refer you to an occupational therapist or physiotherapist with AT experience. For complex or specialised AT, you may need an assessor who has specific training in that area - for example, seating and postural management, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

For AT suppliers and providers, word of mouth from other participants and families is valuable. You can also browse registered NDIS providers on OpenWay to find AT suppliers in your state or territory, read their profiles, and send an enquiry directly. Looking at a provider's listed experience and the types of AT they support can help you narrow down who is worth contacting.

When you do make contact, ask the provider how they handle trials, what their lead times are for custom items, and how they manage repairs and ongoing support. A provider who is transparent about these things from the start is usually a good sign.

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Frequently asked

Q. Is assistive technology funding separate from my other NDIS budgets?

Yes. AT is funded under Capital Supports, which is a separate budget from your Core Supports and Capacity Building budgets. Capital Supports funding is "quarantined" - you can only use it for the specific items it was approved for, and you cannot move that money into other budget categories. This means it is important to plan carefully and make sure all the AT items you need are included in your plan from the start.

Q. Can I sell or give away AT that was funded by the NDIS?

Generally, no. AT items funded through the NDIS remain the property of the NDIA (for agency-managed plans) or are subject to conditions under plan-managed and self-managed arrangements. If you no longer need an item, you should contact the NDIA or your plan manager for guidance on what to do. Some items are returned or recycled through AT reuse programmes.

Q. What if the NDIA says no to my AT request?

You have the right to seek an internal review of any NDIA decision, and if that does not resolve the issue, you can apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for an external review. It is worth getting advice from a disability advocacy organisation before lodging a review, as they can help you understand your options and strengthen your case with the right evidence.

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How OpenWay can help

Navigating assistive technology funding is easier when you can quickly find providers who specialise in the equipment you need. OpenWay is a free-to-use marketplace for NDIS participants and families, where you can browse NDIS-registered AT providers and suppliers by location and support type, read provider profiles, and send enquiries directly - all in one place.

If you are a support coordinator managing AT needs for multiple participants, the OpenWay support coordinator workspace lets you shortlist providers, share options with participants, and track enquiries without the back-and-forth of email chains and spreadsheets.

OpenWay does not deliver supports, handle NDIS plan funds, or make funding decisions. What it does is make the process of finding and comparing providers simpler, so you can spend more time on what actually matters.

OpenWay is not part of the NDIS, NDIA or NDIS Commission. Final scope, pricing, travel, cancellation rules and non-face-to-face charges must be confirmed in a written service agreement between the participant (or their authorised support person) and the provider.