To help participants continue to receive their NDIS funded supports and services during this period, the NDIA has temporarily broadened the flexible approach to purchasing low cost Assistive Technology (AT) items.
This allows participants to access low cost AT items, such as smart devices and fitness equipment, in consultation with their existing support provider.
Participants can now use their existing NDIS funding to purchase an item if:
- it will maintain funded NDIS supports like a program, therapy or requirement (for example physiotherapy or Auslan interpreting provided via video conferencing), and
- the provider of supports has confirmed in writing the device is necessary to continue supports and services while maintaining physical distancing requirements, and
- it is the lowest specification that will maintain funded supports, and
- they do not already have the item, another suitable item or access to the item, and
- the item has not been funded by another service system (such as education), and
- the item or circumstances are not specifically excluded.
Participants are able to spend up to $1500 on low cost AT items from their existing budgets. Participants should not spend more than $750 on electronic devices needed to maintain existing services.
This is a time limited policy which will be in place until September 2020 and will be reviewed at the end of June 2020.
For more information on purchasing low cost Assistive Technology for support continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the Assistive technology explained page on the NDIS website.
