A shower chair might cost a few hundred dollars. A powered wheelchair can cost many thousands. If you’re searching for NDIS assistive technology in Truganina, a specialised communication device may sit somewhere in between.

They can all potentially be forms of assistive technology, but the rules for purchasing them with NDIS funding are not necessarily the same.

There is also considerable confusion about everyday technology. Can you buy an iPad with your NDIS funding? What about a smartwatch? Do you need an occupational therapist’s report for a $50 disability-related aid? And what happens when equipment costs more than $1,500?

For NDIS participants and families in Truganina, Tarneit, Williams Landing, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Laverton, Werribee and surrounding Melbourne western suburbs, understanding the current rules before purchasing equipment can help avoid unnecessary expense and rejected claims.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme updated several of its assistive-technology resources during June and July 2026, while its low-cost purchasing guidance was current as of 28 July 2026.

Here is what participants should know.

What Does the NDIS Mean by Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology—or AT—is equipment or a device that helps someone perform activities they may otherwise be unable to do because of their disability.

Current NDIA guidance says AT can help with areas including mobility, leisure and self-care and can increase independence and capacity.

Examples can range from relatively simple products such as adapted eating utensils through to wheelchairs, prosthetics and other specialised equipment.

But something being useful does not automatically make it an NDIS support.

The NDIA says funded AT needs to be directly related to the participant’s disability, assist with their goals, satisfy NDIS funding rules and be supported by appropriate evidence.

The Important 2026 Cost Categories

Current NDIS guidance divides assistive technology into three broad cost levels:

Low-cost AT: less than $1,500.

Mid-cost AT: $1,500 to $15,000.

High-cost AT: more than $15,000.

The amount matters because the evidence and approval process generally becomes more involved as cost and risk increase.

However, price is not the only consideration.

Risk also matters.

What Is Low-Cost Assistive Technology?

Low-cost AT costs less than $1,500 and is generally readily available rather than custom-made or substantially modified.

The NDIA’s current examples include:

• walking sticks and canes;
• four-wheel walker frames;
• short portable ramps;
• screen magnifiers;
• text-to-voice applications;
• shower chairs;
• hand showers;
• incontinence alarms;
• modified eating utensils;
• talking kitchen scales; and
• some adjustable-height chairs.

The particular item must still relate to the participant’s disability and be an NDIS support.

The $1,500 threshold does not mean:

“Anything under $1,500 can be bought with my NDIS plan.”

That is an important distinction.

Do You Need NDIA Approval Before Buying Low-Cost AT?

For low-cost, low-risk AT, generally not where appropriate funding is available.

Current NDIA guidance says participants buying AT costing less than $1,500 that is also low risk generally do not need to provide quotes, evidence or assessments to the NDIA or obtain approval before purchasing it.

Funding for low-cost AT is generally available through the participant’s Core – Consumables budget.

Participants should still make sure that the item:

• is directly related to their disability;
• helps them work towards their goals;
• is something NDIS rules allow funding for;
• is safe; and
• is appropriate for their needs.

If you are unsure, obtaining professional advice before purchasing can still be sensible.

Low Cost Does Not Always Mean Low Risk

This distinction is easy to miss.

An item may cost relatively little but still have safety implications.

The NDIA says participants need appropriate advice for higher-risk assistive technology, even where the product’s price might otherwise appear straightforward.

For example, current NDIS guidance identifies wheelchairs, beds and bed sticks, vehicle modifications, prosthetics and orthotics among equipment that may involve higher risk.

Do not choose specialised equipment solely by comparing prices online.

An unsuitable item may be uncomfortable, ineffective or potentially unsafe.

What Happens When AT Costs More Than $1,500?

The process changes.

For mid-cost assistive technology between $1,500 and $15,000, current NDIA guidance says participants need written evidence showing that the proposed AT is appropriate.

That evidence can be a letter, email or report from an allied health practitioner or other AT advisor. It does not necessarily need to be a formal assessment, but it does need to provide relevant information in writing.

For higher-risk and high-cost equipment, evidence and assessment requirements become more substantial.

Current guidance says high-risk AT generally requires information about price, evidence and assessments before approval.

This is where allied health professionals and appropriately qualified AT assessors can play an important role.

What Does an Assistive Technology Advisor Do?

An AT advisor helps a participant identify equipment suited to their disability-related needs and goals.

Current NDIA guidance says an advisor may help participants:

• identify suitable options;
• ensure equipment is safe;
• set up the AT; and
• understand how to use it.

For mid-cost AT, participants need to work with an AT advisor. High-cost AT requires an appropriate assessor.

Interestingly, the NDIA’s current guidance also says plans containing AT funding will include at least $500 for AT advice.

That can help participants obtain suitable professional guidance rather than choosing equipment based purely on product advertising.

Can You Buy an iPad, Smartphone or Smartwatch With NDIS Funding?

This is one of the most searched—and misunderstood—questions about assistive technology.

A tablet, smartphone or smartwatch is ordinarily an everyday consumer product.

Current NDIA guidance says tablets and smart devices are generally day-to-day household items and therefore are not usually NDIS supports.

However, there is a specific mechanism called a replacement support.

Under current rules, participants can potentially apply to replace an existing NDIS support with certain approved everyday items where the replacement meets the applicable criteria.

The current replacement-support list includes:

• certain standard commercially available household items;
• smartwatches;
• tablet devices;
• smartphones; and
• accessibility or communication applications.

This is not additional funding for a device.

The proposed item replaces an existing NDIS support.

Most importantly, you must apply and receive written approval before buying the replacement support using NDIS funding.

Do not purchase an iPad first and assume your plan manager or the NDIA will reimburse you afterwards.

What About Washing Machines and Other Household Appliances?

The same principle applies.

Ordinary household products are generally everyday living expenses rather than assistive technology funded by the NDIS.

However, some standard commercially available household items—such as a washing machine or dishwasher—appear on the approved replacement-support list.

Again, that does not mean every participant can purchase one with NDIS funding.

A replacement support must replace an existing support in the participant’s plan, relate to their disability and meet the applicable value and outcome requirements. Approval must be obtained first.

Consider Trialling Equipment Before Buying

The most expensive item is not necessarily the best item.

Neither is the product with the longest feature list.

The NDIA considers evidence that equipment is effective and safe. Relevant evidence can include product trials, previous AT use, research and expert opinion.

For some equipment, trialling the product before committing to a purchase can help determine whether it actually works in the participant’s everyday environment.

Renting may also be appropriate where someone’s needs are likely to change.

This can be particularly relevant for children, people experiencing changing functional needs or equipment required for a relatively short period.

Check Your Funding Before You Purchase

Even where an item qualifies as low-cost AT, you still need available funding.

Current NDIA guidance says participants should check their Consumables balance through their participant portal or my NDIS app before purchasing.

For low-cost AT, Core funding may potentially be used flexibly where appropriate and permitted under the plan.

The purchasing process also depends on funding management.

NDIA-managed participants need to purchase low-cost AT through a registered NDIS provider.

Plan-managed and self-managed participants can purchase from other suppliers, subject to applicable NDIS rules.

Self-managed participants should also keep receipts and relevant documentation in case proof of the claim is required.

For Support Coordinators and Allied Health Referral Partners

AT referrals can be much more useful when they describe the functional problem the equipment is intended to address.

Rather than:

“Participant needs equipment,”

consider documenting:

What activity is difficult because of the disability?

What outcome is the participant trying to achieve?

What equipment has already been tried?

What safety considerations exist?

Could a simpler or lower-cost option achieve the same outcome?

The NDIA says it generally funds the standard level of AT required to achieve a participant’s goals and considers the more cost-effective option where a more expensive product would produce the same outcome.

That makes good assessment and evidence particularly valuable.

Talk to BHA Disability Services

If you are an NDIS participant, family member, carer, Support Coordinator, allied health professional or referral partner seeking relevant disability support in Truganina or Melbourne’s western suburbs, BHA Disability Services welcomes enquiries.

Tell us about the participant’s goals, disability-related support needs and the relevant supports included in their NDIS plan.

Where assistive technology forms part of the participant’s broader support arrangements, appropriate professional advice and current NDIS funding rules should guide equipment decisions.

BHA Disability Services can discuss the services it actually provides and whether they may be appropriate for the participant’s circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as low-cost NDIS assistive technology?

Current NDIA guidance defines low-cost AT as equipment costing less than $1,500. Examples include some mobility aids, communication aids, shower equipment and adapted household products. The item must still satisfy applicable NDIS funding requirements.

Do I need an OT report for low-cost assistive technology?

For low-cost, low-risk AT under $1,500, the NDIA says you generally do not need to provide an assessment, evidence or quote before purchasing. Professional advice can still be valuable, particularly if you are unsure whether an item is safe or appropriate.

Can I buy an iPad with my NDIS funding?

Not simply because you have NDIS funding. Tablets are generally everyday household items rather than NDIS supports. In some circumstances a tablet may be approved as a replacement support, but you must apply and receive written approval before purchasing it with NDIS funding.

What is mid-cost assistive technology?

Current NDIA guidance defines mid-cost AT as equipment costing $1,500 to $15,000. Written evidence from an allied health practitioner or other AT advisor is required to demonstrate that the proposed equipment is appropriate.

Can I use my Consumables budget for assistive technology?

Low-cost AT can generally be purchased using Core – Consumables funding where the item is an eligible NDIS support and the participant has appropriate available funding.

Should I buy assistive technology online without trying it first?

For simple low-risk products that may sometimes be reasonable, but equipment suitability depends on individual needs. For more complex or higher-risk AT, professional advice and potentially a trial can help ensure the equipment is safe and appropriate.

For current official guidance, see the NDIS guide to assistive technology, NDIS low-cost assistive technology guide and NDIS guide to replacement supports.