NDIS Funding for Assistive Technology: What You Need to Know

If you or someone you care for has an NDIS plan, assistive technology funding can make a real difference to everyday independence. Assistive technology, or AT, covers a wide range of equipment and devices that help people with disability live, move, communicate and participate more fully. The NDIS funds AT when it is considered reasonable and necessary, but the rules around what qualifies, how much is available, and how to access it can feel complicated. This guide breaks it all down in plain language.

What is assistive technology under the NDIS?

Assistive technology is any product, device or piece of equipment that helps a person with disability do something they would otherwise find difficult or impossible. Under the NDIS, AT is funded through the Capital Supports budget, which sits separately from your Core and Capacity Building budgets.

The NDIS uses a tiered system to classify AT by risk and complexity:

• Low cost or basic AT - items under $1,500 that carry low risk, such as a simple shower chair, a non-slip mat or a basic communication aid.
• Mid-cost AT - items between $1,500 and $15,000, such as a manual wheelchair or a more sophisticated communication device.
• High cost or complex AT - items above $15,000, such as a power wheelchair, a specialised vehicle modification or an eye-gaze communication system.

The higher the cost and complexity, the more evidence and assessment the NDIS requires before funding is approved. This is why many participants work with an assistive technology assessor, usually an occupational therapist or another allied health professional, before they apply.

If you are new to the scheme and want to understand how the NDIS works more broadly, the participant information on OpenWay is a useful starting point.

What kinds of AT does the NDIS fund?

The range of AT the NDIS can fund is broader than many people realise. Here are some of the main categories:

Mobility and movement

• Manual and power wheelchairs
• Scooters
• Walkers, frames and crutches
• Pressure-relieving cushions and mattresses
• Hoists and transfer equipment

Communication

• Speech-generating devices
• Eye-gaze systems
• Low-tech communication boards and books
• Hearing aids (in some circumstances - these are complex and often involve other funding sources too)

Daily living and self-care

• Shower chairs and commodes
• Grab rails and bathroom equipment (though these can overlap with home modifications)
• Dressing and grooming aids
• Eating and drinking aids

Sensory and cognitive support

• Screen readers and magnification software
• Alerting and monitoring devices
• Memory aids and organisational tools

Environmental controls

• Smart home technology that allows a person to control lights, doors or appliances through a device or voice command

It is worth noting that the NDIS does not fund AT that is considered a general household item, something that any person without disability would typically buy. If a piece of equipment is not disability-specific, the NDIS is unlikely to fund it. A standard tablet computer, for example, would not usually be funded on its own, but a tablet that has been set up with specialised communication software and configured for a specific participant's needs may be.

How does the NDIS decide if AT is reasonable and necessary?

The NDIS applies a "reasonable and necessary" test to all funded supports, and AT is no exception. To pass that test, the support must:

1. Relate to your disability.
2. Help you pursue your goals, as set out in your plan.
3. Represent value for money compared with other options.
4. Be effective and beneficial for you specifically.
5. Take into account what is typically funded by other systems, such as health or education.
6. Not be something that family, carers or the community would normally provide.

For most AT above the low-cost threshold, the NDIA will want to see a formal AT assessment from a qualified assessor. This report explains your functional needs, why a particular piece of equipment is recommended, and why it is the most appropriate option for your situation. Your assessor is not there to tick a box; a good assessment takes time and should involve trialling equipment where possible.

How to access AT funding through your NDIS plan

The process for getting AT funded depends on the cost and complexity of the item. Here is a general overview:

Step 1: Identify the need

This usually starts with you, your family, a support coordinator or a therapist noticing that a piece of equipment could support your independence or safety. Do not wait for someone to suggest it if you already know what would help.

Step 2: Get an AT assessment

For anything above the low-cost threshold, you will need an assessment from a qualified AT assessor, most commonly an occupational therapist. This assessment should be funded from your Capacity Building budget under Improved Daily Living. The assessor will observe how you function, discuss your goals, and recommend specific equipment.

Step 3: Get quotes

Once you have a recommendation, you will need quotes from AT providers. For complex AT, the NDIS may require more than one quote. Your assessor or support coordinator can often help you source quotes from suitable suppliers.

Step 4: Submit to the NDIA

For low-cost AT, you may be able to purchase directly using your plan funds if the item is already in your plan. For higher-cost items, you may need to submit an AT request to the NDIA with the assessment report and quotes attached. The NDIA will then make a decision about funding.

Step 5: Trial and set up

For complex AT, a trial period is often recommended before a final purchase is made. This is especially important for power wheelchairs and communication devices, where fit and function are highly individual.

Support coordinators play a critical role in this process. They can help you identify assessors, gather quotes, submit requests and follow up with the NDIA. If you work with a support coordinator, share this article with them or point them to the support coordinator tools on OpenWay where they can search and shortlist AT providers on your behalf.

What to look for in an AT provider

Choosing the right AT provider matters. A provider who takes the time to understand your needs, offers appropriate trials and provides clear after-sales support can make a significant difference to how well a piece of equipment works for you long-term.

Here are some things to consider when evaluating an AT provider:

• Registration status - For AT above $15,000 and certain complex items, you must use an NDIS-registered provider. For lower-cost items, unregistered providers may be an option if you are self-managing your plan. Check the provider's registration status before proceeding.
• Range of products - Does the provider stock or have access to the type of equipment you need? A provider who works with multiple brands is often better placed to find the right fit than one tied to a single supplier.
• Assessment and trial support - A good AT provider will work alongside your assessor and offer trials where possible. Be cautious of any provider who pushes you toward a specific product before you have had a proper assessment.
• Ongoing support and maintenance - AT often needs repairs, adjustments and servicing over time. Ask about warranty terms, repair turnaround times and what happens if equipment breaks down.
• Communication and responsiveness - How quickly does the provider respond to enquiries? Are they easy to contact? This matters especially if you rely on the equipment for daily functioning.

You can browse NDIS-registered assistive technology providers in your area on OpenWay to compare options and send enquiries directly from provider profiles.

Common challenges and how to manage them

AT funding is one of the more complex areas of the NDIS, and participants often encounter a few predictable hurdles.

Long wait times. Complex AT requests can take time to be assessed and approved by the NDIA. Build in as much lead time as you can, especially before a plan review. If your current equipment is failing or your needs have changed, document this carefully and communicate it to your planner or LAC.

Insufficient funding in the plan. Sometimes participants find that their plan does not include enough Capital Supports funding for the AT they need. If this happens, you can request a plan review and provide evidence from your assessor about why the funding is necessary.

Equipment that does not work as expected. If AT is not meeting your needs after delivery, go back to your assessor and provider. Adjustments, accessories or a different configuration may resolve the issue. In some cases, a formal review of the AT decision may be needed.

Navigating repairs and replacements. AT wears out or breaks. Keep records of all your equipment, including serial numbers, purchase dates and warranty details. Repairs and replacements are generally funded from your Capital Supports budget, but you may need to submit a new request for significant items.

For guidance on how OpenWay handles provider information and what verification means on the platform, visit the trust and safety page.

Frequently asked

Can I use my Core budget to pay for assistive technology?

Generally, no. Most AT is funded through the Capital Supports budget, not Core. However, some low-cost consumable items that relate to daily living - such as continence aids - may be funded through Core. If you are unsure which budget applies to a specific item, speak to your support coordinator, plan manager or the NDIA directly.

Do I need to use an NDIS-registered provider for all assistive technology?

Not always. If you are self-managing your plan, you may be able to purchase lower-cost AT from an unregistered provider. However, for higher-cost and complex AT - generally items above $15,000 - the NDIS requires you to use a registered provider. Always check the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits for the most up-to-date rules.

What happens to my AT at the end of my plan or if my needs change?

AT funded through the NDIS generally belongs to you. If your needs change and the equipment is no longer suitable, you may be able to request funding for a different item at your next plan review. The NDIA may also ask whether existing equipment can be modified or upgraded rather than replaced outright. Some providers and community organisations also have loan or refurbishment programmes for AT that is no longer needed.

How OpenWay can help

Finding the right assistive technology provider can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also managing assessments, plan reviews and everyday life. OpenWay is a free marketplace for NDIS participants and their families, where you can browse providers, read profiles, compare services and send enquiries - all in one place.

Whether you are looking for a supplier of mobility equipment, a communication device specialist or a provider who offers AT trials and ongoing support, you can browse NDIS assistive technology providers on OpenWay and filter by location, registration status and support type.

Support coordinators can also use OpenWay to shortlist AT providers for the people they support, share options with families and track enquiries - visit the support coordinator workspace on OpenWay to learn more.

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.