Communication and information equipment

Assistive technology

Equipment and technology that helps a person communicate or access information, such as communication devices, software and adapted computers or phones.

The short answer

This covers equipment and technology that helps someone communicate or access information, such as communication devices, adapted computers and phones, and software that makes information easier to use.

About Communication and information equipment

Communication and information equipment is very wide. It includes speech-generating devices and communication apps, eye-gaze systems, adapted keyboards and switches, screen readers, captioning tools and alerting devices. What is right depends on how the person communicates now, what they want to be able to do and what their hands, eyes, hearing and movement allow.

A speech pathologist or occupational therapist usually leads the assessment. They look at the person's abilities and goals, arrange trials and recommend options. Trying a system in everyday life is important, because a device that works well in a clinic may not suit a busy home or classroom.

Setting up is only the start. People need time to learn a system, and the people around them need to learn how to support it. Ongoing training, programming and updates are part of getting real value from the equipment.

Who is this service for?

People who have difficulty speaking, hearing, reading or using standard devices and who need equipment to communicate or access information.

What a typical session looks like

Communication equipment can range from simple picture boards to tablets with specialised software, eye-gaze systems and devices that give a voice to people who cannot speak. A typical process begins with an assessment, often by a speech pathologist, then a trial of different options and finally setup and training so that the person and the people around them can use it easily.

Information equipment helps people access things like phones, computers and the internet, and can include screen readers, adapted keyboards, switches or speech recognition. Once the equipment is chosen, the biggest factor in success is regular use, so families, teachers and support workers all benefit from learning how it works and how to encourage its use.

Who delivers this support

Speech pathologists and occupational therapists often lead the assessment and trial for communication equipment, sometimes working with an assistive technology specialist. Suppliers and specialist trainers help with setup and instruction. For information technology, a therapist or technology specialist can match a person's abilities with the right adaptations.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Write down when and where you want to communicate or access information.
  2. Book an assessment with a suitably experienced professional.
  3. Trial the options recommended.
  4. Arrange training and a plan for ongoing support.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Communication and information equipment is part of a wider effort to help someone take part in their life, and it works best alongside therapy, training and the support of people around them. Its value comes from being used every day at home, at school or work and in the community, so the plan needs to include the training and follow-up that make that possible.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Communication and information equipment 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 Communication and information equipment. 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 Communication and information equipment. 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 kinds of equipment are included?

This can include communication devices and apps, adapted computers and phones, screen readers, alerting systems and software that makes information easier to access. The right choice depends on the person.

How do I choose the right communication device?

A speech pathologist or occupational therapist can assess your needs, arrange trials and recommend options. Trying a device in your everyday life is the best way to see whether it works.

Will I need training to use it?

Usually, yes. Learning to use a device well takes time, and support for you and the people around you can make a big difference to how much you get out of it.

What if I cannot use my hands?

There are options that use eye movement, head movement, switches and other methods. An assessor can help you find one that suits how you move.

Is a communication app enough?

For some people yes, and for others a dedicated device suits better. An assessment helps you decide based on your needs.

Who teaches me to use the device?

Often the speech pathologist or an assistive technology specialist. Ask about training before you buy.

What is augmentative and alternative communication?

It is a range of methods, from gestures and picture boards to speech-generating devices, that support or replace speech for people who find it hard to communicate verbally. A speech pathologist can help decide which approach fits.

How long does it take to learn to use a communication device?

It varies a great deal from person to person, and it depends on the device, the person's skills and how often it is used. Regular practice and support from the people around them make a big difference.

Can a communication device be used at school and at work?

Yes, and it is important that it can be. Talk to the school or employer early so they understand how the device works and what support the person needs to use it there.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Communication and information equipment?

If Communication and information equipment 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 Communication and information equipment 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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