NDIS Assistive Technology

What You Might Need to Know About Assistive Technology:

What types of Assistive Technology does Two Sense Therapy specialise in?

At Two Sense Therapy, we have several therapists that love working with Assistive Technology to help you with daily activities. Some of our favourite areas to work within are but not limited to are:

• Specialised seating and wheelchair prescription

• Adaptive recreational equipment

• Scooter, mobility assessment and training

• Beds and mattresses prescription

• Shower chairs and commode chairs prescription

• Hoist and sling assessments/Prescription

What types of NDIS Assistive Technology are available?

When looking at Assistive Technology (AT) it can be hard to know what you can purchase and how. The list of AT products is ongoing with new products even now being developed. The big things to know about Assistive Technology can be split into four different purchasing levels through your NDIS plan:

Level 1—Basic Assistive Technology

This type of AT has a limit of $1500 and is identified by not needing specialist assistance to set it up or use it. You will be able to buy online or from local shops without an assessment being completed and claim this within your consumable/low-cost AT funds. Some examples of these are:

Whiteboards to plan daily activities, non-slip bathmats, walking sticks/canes

Level 2—Standard Assistive Technology

Standard AT is usually determined by items that are not customised to the participant, however, they usually require some form of assistance setting it up and adjusting. Usually for this type of AT the participant can use their NDIS funding to purchase standard AT, bearing in mind that they may need an assessment to be completed by an OT for this to be approved. Some examples of these are:

Shower stools/chairs, four-wheel walkers, high-back chairs, rubber threshold ramps

Level 3—Specialised Assistive Technology

If a participant requires Specialised AT equipment an AT assessment (including risk assessment) along with relevant quotes and a trial of the equipment will need to be completed to be able to attain these items through NDIS funding. Similar to Standard AT, Specialised AT will likely need some adjustments or modifications in order to suit each individual preferences and requirements. Specialised AT can be purchased through AT suppliers and your OT can assist you in finding the correct fit for you. Some examples of these are:

Mobility scooters, off-the-shelf manual wheelchairs, home care adjustable beds, electric lift chair

Level 4—Complex Assistive Technology

Complex AT like its name is complex in nature and will require an AT assessment (including a comprehensive risk assessment) and relevant quotes and trials of the equipment to be completed. This type of equipment may require ongoing support and training. Some examples of these items are:

Custom scripted manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs, electric hosts, standing machines, adaptive recreational equipment eg hand-cycles.

A few additional items to keep in mind:

• The NDIS consider both cost and level of risk when assessing an application for Assistive Technology.

• If the Assistive technology that is required is valued higher than $1500.00 you will require a quote and a letter from an OT.

• If the Assistive technology that is required is valued higher than $5000.00 you will require 1-2 quotes and an assessment completed by an OT.

• For the NDIS to have all the evidence they require for level 3 & level 4 AT you will need to trail the equipment to ensure this is the best fit for you.

• Additionally, for level 3 & level 4 AT a risk assessment must be completed with the OT’s recommendations.

• Some AT requires repair and maintenance, which can be included in your plan.