NDIS plans can include different types of supports designed to help participants build independence and improve daily functioning. Two of the most common supports people encounter are Assistive Technology (AT) and therapeutic supports.
While both play an important role in helping participants achieve their goals, they serve different purposes. Assistive Technology usually refers to equipment or devices that help someone perform tasks more independently, while therapeutic supports focus on developing skills through professional services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physiotherapy.
Understanding the difference between these supports can make it easier to navigate your NDIS plan and ensure you are accessing the most appropriate supports for your needs. In this guide, we’ll explain how Assistive Technology and therapeutic supports differ, when each may be appropriate, and how they can work together to support your goals.
What is Assistive Technology under the NDIS?
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to equipment, devices, or tools that help people with disability perform everyday tasks more easily and independently. Under the NDIS, Assistive Technology is designed to reduce barriers in daily life and support participants in achieving their goals.
These devices can assist with a wide range of activities, including reading, communication, mobility, learning, personal care, and accessing information. The aim is to improve functional capacity and help participants participate more confidently in education, employment, and community life.
The NDIS generally groups Assistive Technology into three categories based on cost and complexity:
Low-cost Assistive Technology
Typically under $1,500 per item.
Low-cost AT includes simple and practical devices that are widely available and easy to use. These items are generally considered low risk and usually do not require complex assessments before purchase. They are often everyday tools that support independence in tasks such as reading, communication, learning, or daily activities.
Because they are lower in cost and complexity, the approval process for low-cost AT is often simpler, although participants may still need to demonstrate how the device supports their NDIS goals.
Mid-cost Assistive Technology
Typically between $1,500 and $15,000 per item.
Mid-cost AT includes more specialised equipment that may require professional advice, documentation, or assessment. These devices often play a more significant role in supporting functional capacity and independence.
While items under $15,000 usually do not require multiple supplier quotes, the NDIS may still request supporting evidence such as therapist recommendations or a description of how the equipment will be used.
High-cost Assistive Technology
Typically over $15,000 per item.
High-cost AT includes more complex or specialised equipment that carries greater risk or requires careful assessment to ensure it is appropriate for the participant. These items often require formal professional evaluations, multiple supplier quotes, and NDIA approval before purchase.
Because of the higher cost and complexity, the approval process for high-cost AT is more structured and may involve additional documentation to show that the equipment is reasonable, necessary, and good value for money.
Who Assistive Technology may be suitable for
Assistive Technology may be suitable for people who:
- Experience difficulty completing certain tasks due to their disability
- Need support accessing written information, communication, or technology
- Want to increase independence in education, work, or daily living
- Benefit from tools that simplify tasks such as reading, writing, or understanding information
- Are looking for long-term supports that can be used regularly in everyday environments
What are therapy supports?
Therapy supports under the NDIS refer to services provided by qualified health or allied health professionals to help participants build skills, improve functional capacity, and work towards their goals.
Unlike Assistive Technology, which involves equipment or devices, therapeutic supports focus on developing abilities over time through professional guidance and structured sessions. These supports are usually delivered regularly and may be part of a longer-term plan to improve independence.
Common types of therapy supports include:
- Occupational therapy – helping participants develop skills for everyday activities and independence
- Speech therapy – supporting communication, language development, and understanding
- Physiotherapy – improving mobility, strength, and physical function
- Psychology services – supporting emotional wellbeing, behaviour strategies, and mental health
- Other allied health supports depending on individual needs
Therapeutic supports are typically funded under the Capacity Building category in an NDIS plan because they focus on improving a participant’s skills and abilities over time.
In many cases, therapists may also assess a participant’s needs and recommend Assistive Technology that can help support those goals. For example, a therapist may suggest a communication device or a reader pen to complement therapy and help the participant practise their skills outside of sessions.
Who therapy supports may be suitable for
Therapy supports may be appropriate for people who:
- Need help developing new skills related to communication, mobility, or daily living
- Benefit from regular support and guidance from allied health professionals
- Require assessment to better understand their needs and challenges
- Need strategies or training to improve independence over time
- Are working towards longer-term improvements in learning, communication, or participation
Key differences at a glance
|
Assistive Technology |
Therapeutic Supports |
|
Physical device/tool |
Professional service |
|
One-time purchase (usually) |
Ongoing sessions |
|
Increases independence |
Builds capacity |
|
Used daily |
Delivered in sessions |
|
Often funded under AT budget |
Usually funded under Capacity Building |
When do Assistive Technology and therapy support work together?
In many cases, Assistive Technology and therapeutic supports are not separate solutions — they work best when used together.
Therapists often play an important role in assessing a participant’s needs and recommending the right Assistive Technology. They can help identify the challenges a participant faces and suggest tools or devices that may improve independence.
Read related article: How to Choose a Reader Pen as Low-Cost Assistive Technology
For example, a therapist may recommend a device that helps with reading, communication, or daily tasks. The therapist can then support the participant in learning how to use the device effectively and integrate it into everyday routines.
- Using both supports together can help participants:
- Practise new skills outside of therapy sessions
- Apply strategies in real-life situations
- Build confidence and independence over time
- Achieve their NDIS goals more effectively
How funding categories affect this
Understanding where supports sit within your NDIS plan can help clarify whether something may be funded as Assistive Technology or as a therapeutic support.
NDIS plans are divided into different funding categories, and each category supports different types of services or equipment.
Core Supports
Core Supports generally help with everyday activities and daily living needs. In some cases, low-cost Assistive Technology may be funded here if it helps a participant complete tasks more independently.
Capacity Building Supports
Therapeutic supports are most commonly funded under the Capacity Building category. These supports focus on developing skills, improving functional capacity, and helping participants work towards their goals through professional services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physiotherapy.
Assistive Technology funding
Assistive Technology may also appear as a specific line item in a participant’s plan, particularly when equipment has been recommended to support independence.
Because Assistive Technology and therapy are funded under different categories, it’s important to understand how each support fits within your plan. If you are unsure where a support belongs, your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager, or therapist can help review your plan and explain how funding may apply.
Questions to ask your planner or Support Coordinator
When discussing supports in your NDIS plan, asking the right questions can help you better understand what funding may be available and which type of support is most appropriate for your needs. If you’re unsure whether something should be funded as Assistive Technology or as a therapeutic support, your planner or support coordinator can help guide you.
Here are some helpful questions you can ask during your planning meeting or plan review.
Understanding your plan
- Does my current plan include funding that can cover Assistive Technology?
- Which budget category would Assistive Technology fall under in my plan?
- Do I have funding under Capacity Building for therapeutic supports?
- Are there specific line items in my plan that allow equipment purchases?
Clarifying your needs
- Based on my goals, would Assistive Technology be appropriate for my situation?
- Would therapy be more suitable for helping me develop the skills I need?
- Could both therapy and Assistive Technology work together to support my goals?
- How do we determine which support provides the best long-term benefit?
Documentation and evidence
- Do I need a therapist report before requesting Assistive Technology?
- What documentation should I provide to support my request?
- Would a trial or demonstration of the equipment help support the application?
- Should I obtain a quote from a supplier before submitting the request?
Planning for the future
- If Assistive Technology is approved, how will it be funded and paid for?
- Will this support be reviewed during my next plan review?
- If my needs change later, can additional Assistive Technology be requested?
- How can I show that a device or support has helped me achieve my goals?
Asking these questions can help ensure your plan reflects your needs and that the supports requested are aligned with your goals, funding categories, and the NDIS “reasonable and necessary” criteria.
Choosing the right support for your goals
Understanding the difference between Assistive Technology and therapeutic supports can make it easier to navigate your NDIS plan and choose the supports that best match your needs. While Assistive Technology focuses on providing practical tools that help you perform tasks more independently, therapeutic supports aim to build skills and improve functional capacity over time. In many cases, the most effective approach may involve using both together — combining professional guidance with tools that support everyday participation.
By understanding how each support works and how they fit within NDIS funding categories, you can have more informed discussions with your planner, therapist, or support coordinator and ensure your plan aligns with your goals.
If you’re exploring Assistive Technology that can help make reading and communication easier, you can look at devices such as the WisePen AI Reader. Tools like this can support independence by helping users scan text, hear it read aloud, and translate information, making it easier to access written content in everyday situations.
