Assistive technology assessment and training

Assistive technology

An assessment by a qualified professional to work out which equipment or technology suits a person, followed by training in how to set it up and use it well.

The short answer

An assistive technology assessment works out which equipment or technology suits you, and training helps you set it up and use it well. It is usually done by a qualified professional such as an occupational therapist.

About Assistive technology assessment and training

Choosing assistive technology by guessing can waste time and money. An assessment starts with you: what you want to do, where you do it and what gets in the way. The assessor then looks at options, often arranges trials and recommends what fits your body, your home and your routines.

Training is a separate but equally important step. Even excellent equipment can be frustrating if it is not set up properly or if you have not had time to learn it. Training covers how to use the equipment safely, how to adjust it and what to do when something goes wrong, and can include family, carers and support workers.

For more complex or higher-cost equipment, a written assessment is often needed to show that the item suits you. It is worth asking early what a report should include, so that the assessment gives you what you need.

Who is this service for?

People who are not sure which equipment or technology suits them, or who have new equipment and need help setting it up and learning to use it.

What a typical session looks like

An assessment usually starts with a conversation about what you want to do and what gets in the way. The assessor then looks at your abilities, your home or workplace, and the technology already available, and may arrange for you to try a few options. Afterwards you receive a written recommendation that explains what suits you and why.

Training follows once you have the equipment. A trainer shows you how to set it up, use it safely and get the best from its features, often in the places where you will use it. Good training is practical and paced to you, with time to practise and a way to ask questions when something does not work.

Who delivers this support

Assessments are often carried out by occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists or other allied health professionals, depending on the type of technology. Training may be done by the assessor, the supplier or a specialist trainer. The right person depends on what you need, and someone experienced with your kind of equipment is more useful than someone with general knowledge.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Write down what you want to be able to do.
  2. Contact an assessor and describe your situation.
  3. Attend the assessment and try the options recommended.
  4. Arrange training once equipment is chosen and set up.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

An assessment often comes first and guides the choice and purchase of equipment, while training helps you use it effectively. The results are also useful evidence if a request for funding needs to explain why a particular item is the right choice. Reviews later on help you adjust as your needs, your home or the technology itself change.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Assistive technology assessment and training if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Assistive technology is funded according to its cost and complexity: lower-cost items are usually paid from a Core budget, and higher-cost or more complex items from a Capital budget, sometimes needing an assessment or quote. Your planner or an assistive technology advisor can explain how this applies to Assistive technology assessment and training. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Equipment prices vary widely with the type of item and how it is set up for you. Ask for a written quote that separates the item, fitting and training, and for information about warranty and servicing for Assistive technology assessment and training. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Assistive technology & equipment providers on the NDIS register

4,258 NDIS providers list assistive technology & equipment supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing assistive technology & equipment

See all 4,258 assistive technology & equipment providers

Listings by state and territory

Suburbs with the most listings

Listings covering the most areas

Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What happens in an assistive technology assessment?

A qualified professional, often an occupational therapist, looks at what you want to do, where you do it and what gets in the way. They then recommend options and may arrange trials.

Why is training important?

Even good equipment only helps if it is set up properly and you feel confident using it. Training covers safe use, adjustments and what to do if something stops working.

Do I need an assessment before buying equipment?

For simpler items you may not. For more complex or higher-cost items, an assessment is commonly needed to show the equipment suits you. Check what applies to your situation with your planner.

Who can do an assistive technology assessment?

Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists and specialist advisors can all assess, depending on the type of equipment. Ask about their experience with your needs.

Can the assessment happen at my home?

Often yes. Seeing the equipment in the place you will use it gives a much better picture of what will work.

What happens if a trial shows the equipment does not suit me?

That is a useful outcome, because it prevents a poor purchase. Your assessor can suggest alternatives and arrange another trial.

Why do I need an assessment if I already know what equipment I want?

An assessment checks that the equipment is safe, suitable and likely to work for you, and it provides the reasoning that supports a funding request. It can also uncover options you had not considered.

Who should attend the training?

Ideally you and anyone who will help you use or maintain the equipment, such as family, carers or support workers. That way everyone learns the same way of doing things.

Can assessment and training be done at home?

Often yes, and it is usually better because the therapist can see the actual space and routines. Ask whether home visits are possible when you book.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Assistive technology assessment and training?

If Assistive technology assessment and training is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Assistive technology assessment and training provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

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