Discover the best assistive technologies supported by the NDIS in Australia. Discover daily disability devices that promote independence and accessibility.
Tech and Disability: The Most Useful Assistive Devices for Day-to-Day Living
Strides in technology have provided an easier life for those who have disabilities. Currently, various assistive devices support people by finding new ways to address mobility, speaking, vision, and home management. Now, more accessible support is possible through tools like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
This post covers the assistive technologies and disability devices that are most supported by the NDIS and are widely available in Australia. No matter whether you are disabled or looking after someone with disabilities, having the right tools is very helpful.
Define Assistive Technology
Assistive technology (AT) is any aid or device that helps people manage complex tasks due to physical, cognitive, or sensory issues. Residents may benefit from simple aids, such as specially designed utensils, or more advanced ones, such as wheelchairs that work with voice control or screen-reading programs.
Individuals covered by the NDIS in Australia can receive support tailored to their specific needs. It is put in place to help people perform daily tasks independently, enjoy an independent lifestyle, and have a better quality of life.
NDIS helps by funding a range of assistive devices
Based on the complexity and risk associated with the support, the NDIS framework categorizes assistive technology into four levels. People can use different devices, depending on their plan and eligibility.
These are the usual types of disability aids that you can access here through NDIS:
Mobility Aids
People with physical impairments rely on mobility devices. They help people move easily and join in normal daily activities.
Leading examples are:
- Three-wheeled, four-wheeled, manual and powered wheelchairs
- Walking frames and rollators are available.
- Mobility scooters
- Stair lifts and platform lifts
Due to these devices, users feel secure and can move freely both inside and outside. Assistive technology under the NDIS usually involves funding for mobility devices based on assessments and
recommendations by allied health professionals.
Communication Aids
People who have difficulty speaking or using language rely on communication aids to interact with others daily.
Some devices that could be used are:
- Devices that turn text into speech are known as speech-generating devices (SGDs).
- Text-to-speech apps
- Boards that use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Eye-tracking software
Because of modern technology, these tools are often built into tablets or mobile devices, which are very convenient and private. Since these tools are complex, they generally need the involvement of a therapist.
Assistance with Hearing and Sight
Tools for sight and sound are designed to enhance communication between individuals with sensory limitations and their environment.
Devices used to help with hearing are:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Systems that help people listen better known as Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
- Devices that vibrate to alert you
Among assistive vision tools are:
- Visually impaired people can use screen readers and magnifiers.
- Braille displays and printers can be used with computers.
- Voice navigation is available in smart glasses.
- Audio-described feature options
Many of these devices can be funded by the NDIS, provided the individual’s condition aligns with the disability guidelines established.
Daily living tools
Examples of routine activities where they help include cooking, grooming, dressing, and doing chores at home.
Every day popular items are:
- Alternative kitchen tools that are easier to use (assistive grip utensils, devices with built-in timers that announce the time).
- Special helpers enable people to put on clothing and shoes without bending or reaching (such as button hooks and long-handled shoehorns).
- Gadgets such as lights, curtains and thermostats you can control by voice
- Equipment made for use in the bathroom (grab rails, shower chairs, bidets)
Assistive technology NDIS often places these tools in the low-cost, low-risk group and people receiving support can manage them independently.
Environmental Technology
Users can manage their environments using switches, their voice, or other inputs through environmental control systems. It benefits individuals who have significant mobility challenges the most.
Examples include:
- Home automation systems that have smart speakers.
- Doors and blinds that are operated automatically
- Remotes that can be adapted to control a TV or air conditioning system
- Specialized controls that appear on a tablet or computer
- Many of these advanced assistive technologies endorsed by the NDIS require a technical review, but they are highly beneficial for promoting independence.
How to Obtain Assistive Technology With Help From the NDIS
To obtain disability devices in Australia through the NDIS, you have to follow six steps.
- The allied health professional reviews your situation and recommends the devices that will best suit you.
- To include assistive technology in your plan, you work together with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
- Situations involving significant or complex items typically require requesting quotes from suppliers and obtaining formal approval before making a purchase.
- Some products feature tools to aid in training and setup, guiding safe and successful use.
- Negotiating your needs with NDIS allows you to take over managing your technology funding or have an agency manage it on your behalf.
Positive Effects of Assistive Devices on Our Routines
Using assistive technology can significantly improve the quality of life for someone. Among the key benefits are these:
- More Independence: Makes it easier to complete tasks independently every day.
- Better Safety: Especially when working with mobility and smart-home technology.
- Allows people to explain themselves and take part in conversations.
- People have more productive workdays, develop better skills, and lead an easier social life.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Gives people confidence and helps them feel connected.
Special devices in Australia for people with disabilities enable them to improve various aspects of their lives.
New Technologies Supporting People with Disabilities
As technology advances, more innovations are introduced in disability support. One example of exciting progress is:
- Devices that are worn and send warnings to caregivers when there is movement or when people may have fallen.
- Robotic frames that aid people who find it hard to move because of disability or illness.
- Prosthetics that use muscle or nerve signals to make movements more natural.
- Mobile apps that use AI to help with mental health, accessibility and personal care.
- Regular updates to the NDIS guidelines make sure relevant and proven solutions are part of the assistive technology NDIS catalogue.
In short, learn to make use of assistive technology whenever possible
When a person uses the right assistive devices, they can feel independent, respected and part of their society. When you need to move in your home, whether to stay or to keep up with the world, there’s a solution to help you out.
Thanks to the NDIS assistive technology system, many Australians are now able to use technology that has a significant impact on their lives. With increasing demand and new developments, the options and standards for disability devices available in Australia are expected to rise.
If you or someone close is looking into assistive technology, get in touch with your planner or health professional right now. There are many ways to get support, and some may be available using your phone.
If you or someone close is looking into assistive technology, get in touch with your planner or health professional right now. There are many ways to get support, and some may be available using your phone.
