What counts as assistive technology
Assistive technology covers any aid or equipment that helps you live more independently, or helps a carer support you. It includes related delivery, set up and some training. Common examples:
- Mobility: walking frames, manual and power wheelchairs, transfer aids and hoists
- Personal care and safety: shower chairs, commodes, pressure care mattresses, bed rails
- Communication: speech generating devices and communication apps
- Vision and hearing: magnifiers, screen readers and some hearing supports
- Daily living: adapted cutlery, kitchen aids and environmental controls
Low, mid and high cost AT
The NDIA uses the cost of each item to decide what evidence it needs:
- Low cost, under $1,500: bought from your Core budget, usually with no quote or assessment needed. Higher risk items still need written advice from an assistive technology advisor
- Mid cost, $1,500 to $15,000: written evidence from an assistive technology advisor, such as your therapist, to get it in your plan. No quote needed. Funded from your Capital budget
- High cost, over $15,000: an assessment from a qualified assistive technology assessor and a quote, sometimes two. Funded from your Capital budget
Advisors and assessors
An assistive technology advisor is usually an allied health professional you already see, such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or speech pathologist. They help you work out what you need, compare options, trial items and use them safely.
An assistive technology assessor has the specific skills to assess you for complex, high cost items, such as custom seating or power wheelchairs. Their time, and your advisor's, is usually paid from the improved daily living skills part of your Capacity Building budget, not from the AT funding itself.
Repairs, maintenance, trials and rentals
In plans made in the PACE system, a separate Capital category, Assistive Technology Maintenance, Repair and Rental, covers keeping your equipment working and renting items. Trying equipment before you buy is strongly encouraged, especially for expensive or complex items, and short term rental can suit needs that will change, such as after surgery or while a child is growing.
What the NDIS does not fund
AT must relate to your disability and be reasonable and necessary. The NDIS generally does not fund everyday items that anyone would buy, such as standard phones, tablets, computers or household appliances, unless there is a disability specific reason and it is listed as an NDIS support. Equipment needed mainly for health treatment, school or work may be the responsibility of another system.
AT and the 2026 changes
Assistive technology funding is not part of the October 2026 funding reset, which only reduces social, economic and community participation and improved daily living skills supports. Personal mobility equipment and customised and wearable technology are named as protected.
The advice and assessment you need to get AT is paid from improved daily living skills, which is reduced by 10% when your plan is created, reassessed or renewed, so leave room for it when you plan therapy hours.
Tips
- Trial before you buy, and record how the trial went
- Make sure quotes include delivery, set up, fitting and training
- Ask about servicing, repairs and what happens if the item breaks
- Keep copies of advice, assessments and quotes. The NDIA may ask for them
- If you need something urgently, ask whether it can be added by plan variation