When you need an assessment
The NDIA sorts assistive technology into three cost levels, per item, and the evidence it needs grows with the cost:
- Low cost AT, under $1,500: usually no formal evidence. You can often buy it from your plan once it is funded
- Mid cost AT, $1,500 to $15,000: written advice from an AT advisor, such as a therapist who knows your needs
- High cost AT, over $15,000: a full assessment by an AT assessor, plus a quote from the supplier
Who can do it
The right assessor depends on the equipment. Occupational therapists assess wheelchairs, seating, hoists, beds and daily living equipment. Physiotherapists often assess mobility and standing equipment. Speech pathologists assess communication devices. Audiologists and orthotists cover their own areas.
Choose someone with experience in the type of AT you need. Complex power wheelchairs or communication devices need an assessor who prescribes them regularly.
What the assessment covers
The NDIA publishes assessment templates for many types of AT, and assessors often use them. A good assessment includes:
- Your goals, your environment and how you do the task now
- Your relevant functional abilities, measurements and any risks
- Options considered, including cheaper ones, and why they were ruled out
- Results of any trials, with what worked and what did not
- The exact item recommended, with set up, training and maintenance needs
- Why it is reasonable and necessary, and value for money compared with alternatives
Trials, rentals and quotes
For many items, trialling the equipment in your own home or community is the best evidence that it works. Suppliers often lend or rent items for a trial, and the NDIS can fund AT rental in some situations, for example while you wait for a custom item.
For high cost AT the NDIA usually needs at least one quote from a supplier, including delivery and set up. Your assessor and the supplier work together so the quote matches the recommendation exactly.
How it is paid for
Assessment time is usually paid from your Capacity Building budget, typically improved daily living skills, at up to the NDIS price limit for that therapy. For occupational therapy that is $193.99 an hour in 2026/27 in most of Australia. Ask for an estimate of hours, including report writing, before you start.
The equipment itself comes from your Capital budget. Capital supports such as AT are not part of the October 2026 funding reset, and customised and wearable technology is listed as protected.
For providers writing AT assessments
Write for a planner who has never met the participant. Link every recommendation to a functional need and a goal, show the cheaper options you considered, and include trial outcomes. Agree report writing time with the participant in your service agreement before you start, and check whether the participant is agency managed, which means they can only use registered providers.