If you're researching assistive technology through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you've probably come across terms like low-cost, mid-cost, and high-cost assistive technology. Understanding these categories is an important part of the NDIS process, as they can influence how assistive technology is assessed, purchased, and funded.
Depending on the type of assistive technology you're considering, the level of evidence, professional advice, or assessments required may differ. Knowing how these categories work can help you make more informed decisions before purchasing a device.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology (AT) refers to equipment, devices, or products that help people with disability perform tasks they may otherwise find difficult, increasing their independence and participation in everyday life. Depending on a person's needs, assistive technology can support activities at home, school, work, or in the community.
Assistive technology isn't limited to one type of device. It includes a wide range of products designed to support different areas of daily living, communication, learning, mobility, vision, hearing, and personal care.
Some common examples of assistive technology include:
- Reading pens and text-to-speech devices
- Communication devices and speech-generating technology
- Screen magnifiers and other low vision aids
- Mobility equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs
- Daily living aids, including adaptive kitchen utensils and shower chairs
- Hearing support devices
Why does the NDIS categorise assistive technology?
Although assistive technology covers a wide range of products, not every device follows the same funding pathway under the NDIS. Some assistive technology is relatively simple and ready to use, while other products are more specialised and may require professional assessment, customisation, or training before they can be used safely and effectively.
To reflect these differences, the NDIS groups assistive technology into low-cost, mid-cost, and high-cost categories. While these categories are generally based on the cost of the assistive technology, they also help determine the level of support, evidence, and professional involvement that may be required throughout the purchasing and funding process.
Depending on the category of the assistive technology, this may influence:
- The type of evidence needed to support funding.
- Whether advice from an allied health professional, assistive technology advisor, or assistive technology assessor is recommended or required.
- Whether formal assessments or supplier quotes may be needed.
- The level of planning involved before purchasing the assistive technology.
- The funding and approval pathway under the NDIS.
It's important to remember that these categories aren't intended to make the process more complicated. Instead, they help ensure participants receive assistive technology that is appropriate for their individual needs, can be used safely, and represents value for money under the NDIS.
Types of assistive technology
Low-cost assistive technology
Generally under $1,500 per item.
Low-cost assistive technology includes everyday products that are typically simple to use, readily available for purchase, and unlikely to require significant setup or customisation. These devices are often available through retail stores or online and can usually be used safely without specialist installation or training.
Although the purchasing process is generally more straightforward than for higher-cost assistive technology, participants should still ensure that the item:
- Is directly related to their disability.
- Supports their NDIS goals and functional needs.
- Represents value for money.
- Is safe and appropriate for its intended use.
- Is supported by appropriate evidence where required.
Common examples of low-cost assistive technology include:
- Reading pens
- Screen magnifiers
- Text-to-speech software
- Adaptive kitchen utensils
- Shower chairs
- Handrails
Mid-cost assistive technology
Generally between $1,500 and $15,000 per item.
Mid-cost assistive technology is typically more specialised and may require professional advice to ensure it's appropriate for the participant's needs. These products are often more complex than low-cost items and, depending on the device, may require setup, adjustment, or user training.
When applying for funding, the NDIS may require additional supporting information, such as:
- Evidence of functional need.
- Recommendations from an allied health professional or assistive technology advisor.
- A cost estimate or supplier quote.
- Information explaining how the assistive technology supports the participant's NDIS goals.
Examples of mid-cost assistive technology include:
- Mobile shower chairs
- Adjustable beds
- Ankle-foot orthotics
- Mobile hoists
The exact requirements will vary depending on the type of assistive technology and the participant's individual circumstances.
High-cost assistive technology
Generally over $15,000 per item.
High-cost assistive technology includes more specialised equipment that often has a greater impact on a participant's safety, mobility, communication, or independence. Because these products are generally more complex and involve a significant financial investment, the funding process is usually more detailed.
Participants may need:
- A formal assessment by an assistive technology assessor.
- Supporting clinical reports or assessments.
- Supplier quotes.
- Evidence demonstrating that the assistive technology is reasonable, necessary, and represents value for money.
- In some cases, a trial of the equipment before funding is approved.
Examples of high-cost assistive technology include:
- Powered wheelchairs
- Prosthetic devices
- Major vehicle modifications
Comparison at a glance: Low-cost vs mid-cost vs high-cost assistive technology
|
Feature |
Low-Cost AT |
Mid-Cost AT |
High-Cost AT |
|
Typical cost |
Under $1,500 |
$1,500–$15,000 |
Over $15,000 |
|
Complexity |
Generally simple, off-the-shelf products |
More specialised equipment |
Highly specialised or customised equipment |
|
Availability |
Readily available from retail stores or suppliers |
May require ordering through specialised suppliers |
Often customised or individually prescribed |
|
Professional advice |
May not be required, depending on the item |
Often recommended |
Usually required |
|
Assessment |
Generally minimal |
May require an assessment or supporting evidence |
Typically requires a formal assistive technology assessment |
|
Training or setup |
Usually minimal |
May require setup or user training |
Often requires setup, fitting, training, or ongoing support |
|
Funding process |
Generally more straightforward |
May require additional documentation |
Usually involves more detailed assessments and supporting evidence |
Note: The information above is intended as a general guide, and the level of evidence or assessment required may vary depending on the assistive technology being requested and the participant's individual support needs. If you're unsure which category a device falls into or what documentation may be required, it's a good idea to speak with your provider, plan manager or support coordinator before making a purchase.
What about reader pens?
Reader pens are a common example of low-cost assistive technology. As portable, off-the-shelf devices, they typically fall below the NDIS's low-cost assistive technology threshold and are designed to support greater independence in reading, learning, communication, and everyday activities.
Modern AI-powered reader pens have evolved beyond simply scanning printed text. Depending on the model, they may also include features such as:
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for scanning printed text
- Text-to-speech functionality
- Built-in dictionaries
- Translation across multiple languages
- AI-powered explanations and learning support
- Voice translation
- Note-taking and voice recording features
These capabilities can make reader pens a practical option for people who benefit from additional support when reading printed materials, understanding unfamiliar words, learning new languages, or accessing information more independently.
If you're considering a reader pen through the NDIS, you may also find our guide How to Choose a Reader Pen as Low-Cost Assistive Technology helpful. It explains what to consider when selecting a device and how to determine whether it may be suitable for your individual needs.
Does every assistive device automatically qualify for NDIS funding?
Simply being classified as assistive technology doesn't automatically mean a device will be funded by the NDIS.
When considering whether to fund assistive technology, the NDIS looks at a range of factors, including whether the support is related to your disability, aligns with your NDIS goals, and meets the relevant funding criteria.
It's also important to remember that some products and services are specifically excluded from NDIS funding. The NDIS publishes a list of goods and services that are not considered NDIS supports, meaning they generally cannot be funded through an NDIS plan. These exclusions cover a broad range of categories, including everyday living costs, general education expenses, standard household items, health treatments, and other supports that fall outside the responsibilities of the NDIS.
Before purchasing any assistive technology, it's a good idea to:
- Confirm that the device supports your disability-related needs.
- Consider how it aligns with your NDIS goals.
- Check whether any supporting evidence or professional recommendations may be required.
- Speak with your plan manager, support coordinator, allied health professional, or the NDIA if you're unsure about funding eligibility.
Taking the time to understand these requirements can help you make informed decisions and reduce the risk of purchasing equipment that may not be eligible for funding.
Conclusion
At its core, assistive technology is about helping people participate more independently in everyday life. Whether it's supporting communication, learning, mobility, or daily living, the right device can make tasks more accessible and improve confidence in a wide range of settings.
Understanding the difference between low-cost, mid-cost, and high-cost assistive technology provides a helpful framework for navigating the NDIS process.
If you're considering assistive technology through the NDIS, taking the time to research your options and seek professional advice where appropriate can help you make an informed decision that supports your long-term goals.
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