NDIS Assistive Technology Explained

What is assistive technology (AT) under the NDIS?

Assistive technology (AT) refers to equipment, devices, or systems that help a person with disability do everyday activities more safely, comfortably, or independently, at home, in the community, at school, or at work.

AT can be simple, like basic aids that support day-to-day tasks, or more complex, such as specialised equipment that needs professional assessment, trials, configuration, or training.

If you’re in Sydney and finding everyday tasks harder than they should be, getting around the house, showering safely, communicating, managing fatigue, or participating in community life, AT may be part of the solution. A simple AT recommendation or modification could mean meaningful improvement in safety or participation in your chosen activities.

The NDIA’s plain-English overview is a good starting point: NDIS – Assistive technology explained.

Why the “right” AT matters

Buying the wrong item, or choosing equipment without proper assessment and recommendation, often leads to:

• poor comfort or usability which often means it is left unused

• safety risks that could lead to falls, further disability, pressure injuries or body strain

• inconsistent outcomes, helping sometimes, but not reliably

• funding setbacks due to insufficient evidence or unclear rationale

The goal of obtaining AT isn’t simply to “get equipment”, it’s to reduce barriers, improve participation, and support your NDIS goals.

What types of AT might help?

AT varies widely depending on your needs, environment, and goals. Assessment by a physical, occupational or speech therapist ensures that you gain access to the right type of AT that addresses your need. Examples include:

Daily living & personal care

• Shower chairs, bathroom supports, dressing aids and toilet seat raisers.
  • These are primarily for people with mobility difficulties, for example if you have reduced balance, inability to lift your feet well when walking, poor over head reaching or an inability to bend over to reach your feet.
• Pressure care cushions or positioning supports are available for people who are unable to shift their weight or transfer independently.
  • Remaining in the same position for a pro-longed time poses a risk to skin and joint integrity. Positioning and pressure care solutions aid with comfortability and safety for prolonged lying or sitting.

Mobility & transfers

• Walkers, wheelchairs and transfer aids
  
  • These solutions are suitable for you if you are unable to walk independently or have difficulty walking over longer distances. At times, a person may need both a walking device, for indoor use, as well as a wheelchair for outdoor and community use to ensure you are able to continue participating in activities outside of the home. 
• Ramps or access solutions can make the world of difference if you are unable to independently access your home due to a small step or threshold.
  
  • A simple modification to your home could be incredibly meaningful as it will allow you to rely less on others for mobilising inside and out of your home. 

Communication & cognition

• Communication devices or apps for orientation
  • These types of solutions can be incredibly useful if you are battling with memory loss, difficulty to sequence activities or difficulty with expressive communication.
• Scheduling prompts, visual supports, safety reminders
  
  •  A simple device or visual orientation schedule could be incredibly empowering through offering the opportunity to communicate your own basic needs, be independent in your medication regime or reduce confusion regarding schedules and sequences. 

Home safety & independence

• Environmental controls (e.g., switches, alerting systems)
  
  • These solutions can provide you with a sense of comfort in case of emergencies, for example having a emergency alert button nearby your bed incase of a fall.
• Safer set-up solutions for kitchen and bedroom routines
  
  • Modifying the spaces you access frequently, such as cupboards and drawers for clothes or frequently used items, can assist with energy and joint protection during activity, enabling you to endure for longer during a task and completing dressing, meal preparation or cleaning with less support and reduced fatigue. 
• Railings set up next to showers, toilets or beds
  
  • These safety features will optimise your safety and independence during showering and toileting as well as transfers to and from your bed. They are useful for clients with reduced balance or who have difficulty moving from a sitting to standing position or vica versa.
• Railings set up next to steps
  
  • This safety feature will give you the support you need to be able to ascend or descend steps without fear of falling and is suitable even if you just have one step in your home. 

It is important to always seek professional guidance for higher-risk or more complex equipment decisions as small details can make a major difference for example the height that grab rails are placed at or ensuring you get the optimal type and size wheelchair for you body and home.