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1800 819 775 Assistive Technology, Equipment, Modifications
Helping you find what is right for you
Living your life
Assistive technology for mobility and independence
What is assistive technology? Assistive technology means everything in the way of equipment, technology and modifications that helps people with disability with their everyday life activities. Assistive technology can help a person maintain greater independence and make tasks and activities easier and safer for them to do. Assistive technology can be anything from manual and power wheelchairs, battery chargers, power assist technology for your manual wheelchair, portable ramps, hoists, pressure relief cushions, continence equipment, adjustable beds, heating or cooling equipment, ventilators, home automation, environmental control, computer technology, to vehicle and home modifications.
Paying for essentials and everything you need to live a great life
Making sure your NDIS plan includes all of your equipment and modification needs
Assistive technology can be funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Make sure when you are formulating your NDIS plan that you allow for funding for all of your needs in this area. To read how you can access this funding SCIA has put together a helpful booklet which explains in detail what you can include in your plan.
Including equipment and modifications in your NDIS plan
First steps – organising an assessment by an Occupational Therapist
As part of including assistive technology – equipment, modifications, computer technology in your NDIS plan, you will more than likely – if it costs over a certain amount – require the services of an Occupational Therapist (OT) to do an assessment of your needs. From this assessment, the occupational therapist will provide a report to accompany your plan, detailing the equipment or modifications needed and the funds required.
To find an occupational therapist – Occupational Therapy Australia has on online directory that you can search to find an OT by location and area of expertise or you can call their national office on 03 9415 2900.
Looking for a wheelchair, continence supplies, equipment? Helping you through the supplier maze
Equipment Suppliers / Hirers / Repairers /Services / Advice
SCIA has gathered together a list of providers who sell, hire, repair and provide advice for all your wheelchair, seating, continence, bathroom, and general mobility needs.
Looking to buy or sell secondhand equipment?
If you are looking for secondhand equipment (including vehicles) to purchase or if you have some equipment that you no longer need these sites are worthwhile a visit:
Using technology for accessibility and independence
Computer technology and home automation suppliers and services
There is a lot to think about when you decide to automate your home. It can mean anything from installing an opener on your front door so that the door opens on the press of a button or voice command. Or you can talk to your house and tell it to turn lights on, music, operate blinds, fans – you can even make things happen before you get home so for example you could turn the air conditioning on with an app so that the house is lovely and warm when you arrive home.
If you using a computer device you might have limited hand function – now it’s possible to use voice to operate programs or you can apply “accessibility” features on your mobile device. There are lots of options and possibilities for you to get connected. If you don’t know where to start or need advice these organisations and services can help you understand what is available and what will be right for you.
