Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is equipment intended to improve safety and function. Our occupational therapists assess, trial and prescribe across a wide range of needs. The market changes constantly, so we stay open-minded about unusual requirements.
Equipment we work with
- powered and manual wheelchairs
- mobility aids
- transfer aids
- electric beds
- scooters
- adaptive cutlery
- shower and toilet aids, including commodes
Occupational therapists are involved in these decisions for two reasons: risk management, and clinical oversight of whether the equipment genuinely suits the person and their environment. Funding bodies including the NDIS also consider equipment in terms of cost saving over time.
What to expect
For NDIS clients, low-cost items, generally under $1,500, or items already identified as reasonable and necessary in the plan can normally be streamlined. High-cost, high-risk or unlisted items require a longer review. The process usually runs as follows:
- An in-home consultation reviewing functional needs and the environment, alongside collaboration with any relevant supports.
- Equipment trials.
- Discussion of outcomes. Equipment decisions can be involved, both practically and at the funding approval level, so quotes and discussions here can get complex.
- Report writing setting out findings and proposals, sent to anyone you consent to.
Outside the NDIS, a similar process applies, working through trials to proposals and documentation.
Funding
We typically align equipment funding to:
- NDIS, for self-managed and plan-managed participants, billed at the NDIS rate
- Home Care Packages and Support at Home
- private funding
- SWEP, the State Wide Equipment Program
In other schemes, billing is hourly at rates aligned to that scheme. Timeframes vary with equipment availability for trials, our report turnaround, and the review period for the scheme involved. Assistive technology applications typically involve three to four hours of OT time. See our funding and fees page.
Common questions
Why does assistive technology need an OT?
Two reasons: risk management and clinical oversight. Equipment that does not suit the person or the environment can create new hazards, and funding bodies want clinical reasoning behind the recommendation.
Do low-cost items need a full assessment?
Usually not. Under the NDIS, low-cost items, generally under $1,500, or items already identified as reasonable and necessary in your plan can normally be streamlined. High-cost, high-risk or unlisted items require a longer review.
Do I get to try equipment before it is ordered?
Yes. Equipment trials are a standard part of the process. We review your functional needs and environment first, then trial options, then discuss the outcome before any report or quote is finalised.
What funding can be used?
We typically work with NDIS funding for self-managed and plan-managed participants, Home Care Packages, private funding, and the State Wide Equipment Program (SWEP). Billing follows the relevant scheme rate.
What if I need equipment urgently?
Where equipment is needed immediately and cannot be supplied in time, hire equipment or escalation of the report can often be arranged within what the market allows. Contact the OT or your support team as soon as the need becomes urgent.