All about Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is equipment or devices that help you do things you can’t do because of your disability.
Assistive technology may also help you do something more easily or safely.
All NDIS supports must meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.
We can’t fund AT items that are more appropriately funded by other government services.
For more detailed information on how we define and fund AT, or how to add AT into your plan, please refer to our Our Guideline - Assistive Technology
Understanding AT product risk
AT ranges from simple products to the complex systems. It is always a good idea to get advice from an AT advisor to determine the right AT solution for your needs. If the AT you are considering is higher risk AT (see below), then the NDIS requires you to get AT advice before getting that AT.
We use 2 product risk categories (‘low’ and ‘higher’) to assess the complexity of your AT needs.
- Low risk AT products are:
- unlikely to cause harm in day-to-day life
- available for trial and / or can be purchased in retail stores
- easy to set up and safely use without professional advice.
- Higher risk AT products may be one or all of the following:
- complex, such as a power wheelchair
- known to have caused harm
- used for a restrictive practice
- require professional advice, setup or training for safe use.
Refer to the Assistive technology product risk table
for a detailed explanation of different risk levels of AT that will help show the minimum level of advice and support when choosing AT you need.