NDIS Flexibility for low cost Assistive Technology

This article was updated with new information from the NDIS in May 2020.

These NDIS changes may be relevant if you need to purchase a tablet, exercise equipment or other Assistive Technology to allow you to continue your therapy.

The NDIS has temporarily broadened the ability to purchase low cost Assistive Technology (AT) items. This is a time-limited change, which at this stage will only be in place until September 2020 subject to a review in July 2020. The change is designed to allow participants to continue to receive NDIS-funded supports and services during COVID-19.

We suggest anyone who feels they could utilise this flexibility to purchase AT items should complete their application before the July 2020 review.

For participants who already have a consumables budget in Core Funding (with money remaining) you can buy Assistive Technology using that funding.

If you don’t already have this budget, a new line item in Improved Daily Living will be available after 9 May 2020.

Participants can use their existing NDIS funding to purchase an item if it meets all of the criteria on the NDIS website here.

What to do next

Talk to your Montrose therapist about what type of Assistive Technology will assist with maintaining your therapy. Don’t worry if you haven’t already switched to TeleTherapy – we are happy to discuss how this NDIS change may help you access TeleTherapy from Montrose.

More information

What can be purchased?

• Participants should not spend more than $750 on electrical devices to maintain existing services
• Our experience is that most NDIS participants can use a standard tablet, which costs no more than $600.
• Fitness equipment is now also able to be purchased to support therapy at home. Your therapist will need to confirm in writing that the equipment is necessary to maintain NDIS supports

Funding cannot be used for:

• Any items that doesn’t relate to the disability, or that doesn’t help to maintain supports
• Devices beyond the minimum needed
• Smart phones, iPads or tablets with mobile connections (must instead use wifi)
• Multiple devices
• Electricity costs
• Software
• Additional hardware or accessories

Using your NDIS budget

The NDIS has more information on using your budget during COVID-19 in this video: