Vision equipment

Assistive technology

Equipment that supports people who are blind or have low vision, such as magnifiers, screen readers, braille devices and adapted technology.

The short answer

Vision equipment supports people who are blind or have low vision, such as magnifiers, screen readers, braille devices and adapted technology.

About Vision equipment

There is a wide range of equipment to help with reading, writing, using computers and phones, and everyday tasks. Options include hand and electronic magnifiers, video magnifiers, screen readers that read text aloud, braille displays and notetakers, large-print or talking devices, and cameras that read text and identify objects.

A low vision service, occupational therapist or vision specialist can assess your needs and arrange trials. What works depends on your vision, your goals and where you use the equipment. Trying it in real situations shows whether it really helps.

Training matters. Learning to use technology such as a screen reader takes time and practice, so it is worth asking about training and follow-up support. Also ask about updates, repairs and what happens when the technology changes.

Who is this service for?

People who are blind or have low vision and want equipment to read, use technology or move around more easily.

What a typical session looks like

Choosing vision equipment starts with an assessment by a low vision specialist or occupational therapist, who asks about what you find hard to see and what you want to do. They may try magnifiers, telescopes, electronic readers, screen magnification software, screen readers, talking devices or adjusted lighting.

Once you have chosen equipment, training helps you use it well, in your own home, workplace or school. Follow-up checks whether it is working and whether your needs have changed. Keeping the equipment charged, clean and up to date is part of using it well.

Who delivers this support

Low vision clinics, vision organisations, occupational therapists and specialist suppliers provide assessment, equipment and training. Ask about experience with your condition, whether you can trial equipment before buying and what training and support are included.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Write down the tasks you would like to do more easily.
  2. Book an assessment with a vision specialist.
  3. Trial the recommended equipment.
  4. Arrange training and set up.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Vision equipment works with orientation and mobility training, communication equipment and study or work supports. It also depends on medical care of your eyes, so keep your eye specialist informed. Thinking about what you want to do, such as reading, working on a computer, cooking or watching television, helps to choose what suits you.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Vision 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 Vision 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 Vision 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 vision equipment is available?

Examples include magnifiers, screen readers, braille displays, large-print and talking devices, and other aids that help with reading and using technology.

How do I choose?

A low vision service, occupational therapist or vision specialist can assess your needs and arrange trials. Trying equipment in your own environment helps.

Is training included?

Learning to use technology such as screen readers takes time, so training is worth asking about.

What is a screen reader?

Software that reads out what is on a screen, so people can use computers and phones without seeing the display.

Can I try equipment before buying?

Often yes. Ask suppliers and low vision services.

Will my equipment work with a smartphone?

Many do. Ask the supplier about compatibility.

What is the difference between low vision aids and blindness aids?

Low vision aids make the most of remaining sight, for example through magnification, while blindness aids use senses such as hearing and touch, for example through screen readers.

Can I use my smartphone as a vision aid?

Many phones have built-in features such as magnification, text reading and voice control. A specialist can show you what is available.

How often should I get my vision assessed?

It depends on your condition, and your eye specialist can advise. Tell them about any changes.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Vision equipment?

If Vision 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 Vision 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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