Assistive technology includes devices and equipment that will help you to do things that you normally would not be able to do due to your disability. These items can be funded through NDIS, however, there are certain criteria that must be met to ensure your eligibility for this funding.
Here’s a rundown of some key points that you need to consider to ensure that you’re eligible for assistive technology funding through the NDIS.
1. The Assistive Technology Item Must Relate To Your Disability
In order to be eligible for funding, the assistive technology item that you are requesting must help you to complete tasks that you aren’t able to currently, due to your disability. Funding may also be considered in cases where the AT helps you to do things more easily and, therefore, require less assistance from others.
For example, you may have trouble getting out of a standard armchair on your own and require assistance. In this situation, you may be able to get funding for a sit-stand recliner chair that allows you to stand up slowly without the assistance of another person.
2. The Assistive Technology Must Be Right For You
Assistive technology devices are designed to help you pursue your goals. Therefore, the device that you’re requesting funding for must help you with the end goals that you want to achieve.
For example, because you have trouble moving around your house independently, it might be assessed that a wheelchair could help you with this goal. In this situation, the NDIS will consider the following:
- That the AT device is right for your needs.
- The device or piece of equipment is safe for you to use.
- The AT device will assist you to do the things that you need to do more independently.
- That the AT device will provide assistance in all the places that you need to use it.
3. The Assistive Technology Must Be Value For Money
In order to get funding approved for a certain AT item, it must prove to be value for money compared to other devices that might achieve the same results. In this situation, NDIS will look at the following options:
- The possibility of less expensive options that may be equally suitable.
- The durability of the item that you’re requesting funding for.
- How much maintenance the device may need and how often.
- Whether renting the device may be a cheaper option than purchasing it outright.
4. Can Your Assistive Technology Be Funded By Another Organisation?
When you submit a funding request, NDIS will investigate whether it could be another organisation’s responsibility to fund the item and advise you of who to contact.
For example, if you’ve just had surgery at a hospital and need a walker for a short period of time, the hospital may loan you one of these for a couple of weeks as you recover.
There are also other federal and state government agencies that can help with funding for assistive technology items that you might need for activities at work or learning institutions. Although NDIS can’t help you fund these items, they can help you to find the correct NDIS provider who can assist you.
In Summary
When you apply for funding from NDIS for assistive technology items, there are certain points that you need to consider to ensure that your funding will be approved.
You must demonstrate that the device is suitable for your disability and will help you to do things that you normally aren’t able to do without assistance due to your disability. The item to be funded must also be value for money and must not be eligible for funding from a different organisation or government agency.
Reference:
https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/media/1530/download?attachment