Assistive technology covers a wide range of items under NDIS — from simple bath aids to powered wheelchairs to communication devices. Getting it funded means understanding the process, gathering the right evidence, and knowing which category of AT applies to what you need.

This is one of the areas where participants most commonly hit walls. Either because the application wasn't strong enough, or because they didn't realise the rules around quotes, assessments, and approvals. Worth getting right the first time.

What assistive technology is under NDIS

Assistive technology — often shortened to AT — means equipment, devices, or software that help you do things you couldn't otherwise do because of disability.

The range is broad:

Mobility aids. Wheelchairs (manual and powered), walking frames, mobility scooters, transfer aids.

Communication devices. Speech-generating devices, communication apps, low-tech communication boards.

Hearing and vision aids. Hearing aids, cochlear implant components, magnifiers, screen readers, vision-related software.

Daily living aids. Bath aids, toileting aids, kitchen adaptations, dressing aids, eating aids.

Pressure care. Pressure cushions, pressure mattresses, repositioning aids.

Computers and tablets that have a clear disability-related function.

Environmental controls. Devices that let you operate lights, doors, blinds, or other home equipment without standard physical access.

Personal alarms and safety devices. Where they relate to disability-specific safety needs.

Modified vehicles. Vehicle modifications including hand controls, lifts, secured wheelchair positions.

What's not generally funded:

Mainstream items most people own (regular smartphones, regular furniture, regular clothes).

Items primarily for entertainment without clear disability function.

Items available cheaply through retail that don't represent value for money.

Items that should be funded by another system (Medicare-funded items, education-system items).

Low vs high risk AT

NDIS divides assistive technology into risk levels, and the rules differ depending on which level applies.

Low-cost AT (under $1,500). Funded under Core Supports — Consumables. No specific approval needed. You can buy items directly. Examples: bath stools, simple grab rails, basic communication boards, jar openers, low-tech daily living aids.

Mid-cost AT ($1,500 to $15,000). Funded under Capital Supports. Approval required. Generally needs OT or other professional assessment to identify the right item. Examples: standard manual wheelchairs, basic powered scooters, hearing aids (depending on cost), iPads with communication apps.

High-cost AT (over $15,000). Funded under Capital Supports. More extensive approval process, often multiple quotes, OT assessment, and specific NDIA review. Examples: powered wheelchairs with custom seating, communication devices with mounting systems, vehicle modifications, complex environmental control systems.

Specialist AT (any cost). Items requiring specialised assessment, prescription, or fitting. Examples: prosthetics, orthotics, custom seating systems. Always need professional involvement.

The risk level affects how the application works. Low-cost AT is straightforward — buy what you need within your Consumables budget. Mid and high-cost AT need more process.

How to apply and get quotes

For mid and high-cost AT, the typical pathway is:

Step 1: Get an OT or other professional assessment. An OT (or other relevant clinician — physio for some mobility equipment, speech pathologist for communication) assesses your needs and recommends specific equipment. The assessment isn't a quote — it's a prescription. The OT explains what features you need and why.

Step 2: Get quotes from approved suppliers. Most AT suppliers will provide a quote based on the OT prescription. For high-cost items, NDIA may require multiple quotes (usually three) to demonstrate value for money.

Step 3: Submit the application to NDIA. The application includes the OT report, the quotes, and a cover letter explaining how the equipment supports your goals. If you have a coordinator, they often help with this submission.

Step 4: Wait for decision. NDIA reviews and approves or refuses. Approval timelines for AT can be 4–12 weeks, sometimes longer for complex items.

Step 5: Order and delivery. Once approved, the supplier delivers the equipment, NDIA pays the supplier directly (or via your plan manager).

What evidence you need

Strong AT applications include:

A current OT or relevant professional assessment that identifies the specific need, the proposed equipment, and how it relates to your disability and goals.

Trial reports if you've trialled the equipment. For powered wheelchairs and complex equipment, trials are often required.

Quotes from at least one supplier, with multiple for high-cost items.

A clear explanation of how the equipment relates to NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria.

Photos or examples of the impact (for some items, showing the current setup or limitations helps).

For specific equipment categories, additional evidence:

Powered wheelchairs: Wheelchair Accreditation Service (WAS) reports may be required, plus trials, plus environmental assessment of your home.

Vehicle modifications: Driving Occupational Therapist assessment, plus suitability assessment of the vehicle.

Home modifications: OT home assessment, builder quotes, landlord approval if renting, sometimes engineering reports.

Communication devices: Speech pathologist assessment, including device trials.

Common mistakes

A few things that go wrong with AT applications:

Buying first, asking later. If you buy a piece of AT before approval, NDIA can refuse to reimburse. For anything over Consumables level, get approval first.

Inadequate OT assessment. A short, generic OT letter without specific equipment recommendations is weak evidence. Invest in a thorough assessment.

Wrong quote types. Quotes from non-approved suppliers may be rejected. Use suppliers familiar with NDIS process.

Skipping trials when needed. For powered mobility especially, NDIA expects you to have trialled the equipment. Trials are a normal part of the assessment process.

Underestimating timelines. AT applications take weeks to months. If you need equipment urgently, raise this with the OT and NDIA early.

Mixing up funding categories. Trying to use Core Supports funding for an item that should be Capital Supports (or vice versa) creates problems.

No follow-up. Approval doesn't always trigger automatic delivery. You sometimes need to push the supplier to actually deliver.

Frequently asked questions

My powered wheelchair was approved but the supplier says it'll be six months. Is that normal?

Sadly, yes. Custom powered wheelchair lead times of 4–9 months are common. Some standard configurations are faster.

Can I get a smartphone funded as AT?

For a clear disability-specific reason (e.g. essential communication app, specific accessibility features), possibly. As a general phone, generally not. Evidence has to support the disability function.

My equipment broke. Will NDIS replace it?

NDIS funds equipment for an expected useful life. Broken equipment can be repaired or replaced through your Capital budget if there's funding available, or via plan amendment if not. Maintenance costs are usually included in your plan.

Can I sell or give away NDIS-funded equipment?

Generally not. NDIS-funded equipment is provided for your use. If you no longer need it, NDIA may want it returned or transferred to another participant.

What about second-hand equipment?

NDIA can fund second-hand equipment, particularly for high-value items where new equipment lead times are long. Some refurbished powered wheelchairs and other large items go through this process.

If you're navigating an AT application and want help understanding the process or organising assessments, Seareal's coordination team works on AT applications regularly across Queensland.