AT repairs, maintenance, rental and trial

Assistive technology

This covers looking after and accessing assistive technology: repairing or servicing equipment, renting it for a period, or trying it out before committing to buy.

The short answer

This is about keeping assistive technology working and finding out whether a piece of equipment suits you before you commit to it. It covers repairs and servicing, renting equipment for a period, and trying it out first.

About AT repairs, maintenance, rental and trial

Assistive technology only helps if it works when you need it. Wheelchairs need their tyres and brakes checked, hoists need regular servicing, and electronic devices need updates and battery care. Repairs, maintenance and rental supports exist so that a breakdown does not leave you without something you rely on every day.

Renting and trialling are different from buying. A trial lets you use equipment in your own home, workplace or community, over enough time to see how it really performs. Hire suits situations where the need is short, such as recovery after surgery, or where your needs are still changing and a permanent purchase might not be the right call.

A supplier or an occupational therapist can advise on what to trial and for how long. It helps to write down what you want the equipment to do before you start, so that at the end of the trial you can judge it against something concrete rather than a general impression.

Who is this service for?

People who already use assistive technology and need it repaired or serviced, or who want to hire or trial equipment before deciding what suits them.

What a typical session looks like

A repair or servicing visit usually starts with the technician asking what has gone wrong or what you have noticed, then looking over the equipment, testing it and explaining what needs to be done. Some repairs can be done on the spot. Others need parts, or the item has to go to a workshop, and this is the point where a loan item makes a real difference to your week.

A trial or rental usually begins with a conversation about what you want the equipment to do, followed by setting it up for you and showing you how it works. You then use it in your ordinary routine, and there is normally a check-in partway through and a conversation at the end about whether to keep it, return it, or try something different.

Who delivers this support

Repairs and servicing are usually done by technicians employed by the supplier or manufacturer, or by independent repairers who specialise in a type of equipment such as wheelchairs, hoists or communication devices. Trials and rentals are arranged by suppliers, often together with an occupational therapist or another allied health professional who knows how the equipment needs to be set up for your body and your home. Ask who will be doing the work and whether they are experienced with your particular make and model.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. List the equipment you use and note anything that is worn, unreliable or no longer suits you.
  2. Speak to your therapist or supplier about what needs repair, servicing or a trial.
  3. Ask for a written quote or agreement that says what is included.
  4. Keep records of servicing and repairs so you can show what was done and when.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Repairs, maintenance, rental and trial sit alongside the purchase of equipment itself and any training in how to use it. A trial often comes before a purchase, so the result of the trial can be used to support a request for the right item. If you rely on equipment every day, it is sensible to think about maintenance as part of the plan from the start, rather than something that only gets attention when a breakdown happens.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for AT repairs, maintenance, rental and trial 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 AT repairs, maintenance, rental and trial. 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 AT repairs, maintenance, rental and trial. 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

Can I try assistive technology before I buy it?

Often, yes. Many suppliers offer short-term hire or trial periods. A trial helps you and your therapist check the equipment works for you in your own home and routine before a larger purchase is made.

Who repairs and services assistive technology?

The supplier or manufacturer usually handles repairs and servicing, and some specialist repairers work across brands. Ask your supplier what maintenance the equipment needs and how quickly repairs are normally arranged.

Is renting equipment cheaper than buying it?

It depends on how long you need it. Renting can suit short-term or changing needs, while buying can make sense for long-term use. A therapist or assistive technology advisor can help you compare the two.

How often does assistive technology need servicing?

It depends on the item and how much it is used. Manufacturers and suppliers give guidance for each product, and equipment that carries your weight or moves you around usually needs checking more often.

What should I do if my equipment breaks?

Contact your supplier or repairer as soon as you can, tell them what has happened and ask about a loan item. Stop using equipment that could be unsafe until it has been checked.

Can I trial equipment from more than one supplier?

Often you can, which is a good way to compare. Ask each supplier about trial terms, because they differ, and let your therapist know what you are comparing.

Who is responsible for repairing equipment that was bought for me?

It depends on the arrangements made when it was supplied and on any warranty that applies. Check the paperwork from the supplier, and ask about maintenance and repair terms before you agree to a purchase or rental.

Can a trial be arranged for equipment I already own but am not sure about?

Sometimes a supplier or therapist can review how you are using it and suggest changes or an alternative to try. It is worth asking, especially if the equipment is causing pain or not doing what you need.

What records should I keep for repairs and rentals?

Keep quotes, invoices, service reports and any agreement about a loan item or rental. They make it much easier to explain what happened, to claim a warranty, or to show a therapist the history of the equipment.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for AT repairs, maintenance, rental and trial?

If AT repairs, maintenance, rental and trial 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 AT repairs, maintenance, rental and trial 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.

Sources and further reading

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