A shower chair that makes morning routines safer. A communication device that gives someone more choice in a conversation. A modified utensil that makes it possible to prepare lunch independently. Assistive technology can look very different from person to person, but its purpose is the same: to help people take part in everyday life with greater safety, confidence and control.
For NDIS participants, the right equipment is not simply a product to purchase. It can be a practical part of a broader support plan, connected to goals around daily living, mobility, communication, work, study and community participation. The best outcome comes from matching the technology to the person, their environment and the way they want to live.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology is any device, equipment, system or product that helps a person with disability do something they may otherwise find difficult, unsafe or dependent on another person to do. It ranges from simple, everyday items to specialised equipment that requires professional assessment, set-up and training.
Some technology supports a single task. A long-handled reacher, for example, may help someone pick up clothing or items from a shelf without overreaching. Other technology can support many areas of life, such as a powered wheelchair, communication device or home modification that improves access throughout the day.
The right choice is personal. Two people with the same diagnosis may need very different supports because their goals, strengths, home setup, routines and preferences are different. A participant who wants to cook more often may benefit from equipment that supports safe meal preparation. Someone whose goal is to travel independently may need mobility equipment, travel training or a mobile-based navigation support.
Types of assistive technology that support daily life
Assistive technology is often grouped by the activity it helps a person complete. Understanding these categories can make it easier to start a conversation about what may be useful.
- Mobility and transfer equipment may include walking aids, wheelchairs, scooters, transfer boards, hoists, pressure care cushions and specialised seating. These supports can improve comfort, reduce falls risk and make it easier to move around home and community.
- Daily living equipment can include shower chairs, toilet frames, dressing aids, modified cutlery, non-slip mats and kitchen supports. The focus is often on making personal care and household tasks safer and more manageable.
- Communication and sensory supports may include communication devices, speech-generating apps, visual schedules, hearing supports, sensory tools and adaptive switches. These can help a person express choices, understand routines and participate more comfortably.
- Computer, learning and workplace supports can include alternative keyboards, screen readers, voice recognition software, ergonomic furniture and adapted devices. The right setup can support education, employment and connection with others.
Not every helpful item will be funded by the NDIS, and not every piece of equipment needs to be complex. A low-cost item may make a meaningful difference quickly. Higher-cost or more specialised technology may need evidence, quotes, trials or reports before it can be considered in a plan.
Start with the goal, not the equipment
It is easy to see a product online and assume it will solve a problem. Yet equipment that works well for one person may be uncomfortable, unsuitable for their home or difficult to use without support. Starting with a clear goal helps avoid costly or frustrating decisions.
Consider what is happening now. Is an activity taking too long? Does it cause pain, fatigue or anxiety? Does a family member need to provide more assistance than the participant would like? Is safety a concern, such as a risk of falls in the bathroom or difficulty getting in and out of bed?
Then focus on the outcome. “I want to shower with more privacy”, “I want to travel to my course”, or “I want to communicate my choices at appointments” gives a clearer direction than asking generally for equipment. This helps support coordinators, therapists, providers and families identify options that fit the participant’s real priorities.
It also helps to consider the setting. A mobility aid that is suitable in a wide, single-level home may not work in a narrow unit or on a steep driveway. A communication app may be useful, but only if the person has a device they can access reliably and the people around them understand how to respond. Good assistive technology should fit into life, rather than create extra barriers.
Assessment, trials and training matter
For simple, low-risk equipment, a participant may be able to make a decision with practical advice from their support network. More complex supports often need an assessment from an appropriately qualified allied health professional, such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or speech pathologist.
An assessment is not just paperwork. It considers physical needs, communication, posture, safety, the home environment, existing supports and personal goals. It may identify risks that are not immediately obvious, particularly with equipment involving transfers, pressure care, powered mobility or complex communication needs.
Where possible, a trial can be valuable. It gives the participant time to test comfort, ease of use and whether the equipment works in real routines. A chair may feel supportive for five minutes in a showroom but not be suitable for a full day. A device may have useful features but be too complicated to use independently without customised settings or training.
Training is equally important. Participants, family members, carers and support workers may all need guidance on safe use, charging, cleaning, storage and troubleshooting. Without this, even well-chosen equipment can sit unused. Consistent support staff who understand the participant’s preferences can make a significant difference during the adjustment period.
How assistive technology can work with NDIS supports
Depending on a participant’s plan and circumstances, assistive technology may be considered under NDIS supports when it relates to disability needs and meets funding requirements. Funding decisions are individual, so it is helpful to keep notes about the functional impact of the disability, the goal the item supports and the alternatives that have been considered.
For more complex equipment, supporting evidence may include an allied health assessment, recommendation, supplier quote and details of any trial. Plan management or support coordination can help participants understand the steps, organise information and communicate with relevant providers. Families and carers can also share valuable insight into what happens at home and what support would make routines safer or less demanding.
Equipment is often most effective when used alongside other services. For example, a participant receiving daily living support may use adaptive kitchen tools while building skills in meal planning and cooking. Someone with a new wheelchair may need support to practise safe community access. A communication device may work best when family, support workers and educators use consistent communication approaches.
Mount Gollis Care & Services works with participants and their support networks to keep the focus on practical outcomes: more independence where possible, reliable support where needed, and dignity in everyday routines.
Review the fit as life changes
Assistive technology is not always a one-time decision. Needs can change with age, health, living arrangements, work goals or changes in mobility. Equipment may also need maintenance, repairs, adjustments or replacement over time.
A review is worthwhile when the technology is no longer comfortable, safe or useful, or when it is being avoided. Ask the participant what is working and what is not. Small changes to positioning, settings, routines or staff training can sometimes improve the outcome without replacing the whole item.
For children and young people, regular review is especially important because their bodies, skills and daily environments can change quickly. For adults, a move into supported accommodation, a new job or a shift in family circumstances may create different access needs. Planning ahead can reduce disruption and support a smoother transition.
Choosing support that respects the person
The most useful assistive technology should increase choice, not take it away. It should support the participant’s own goals and preferences, including how they want to communicate, move through their community, manage their home and receive assistance.
Technology can be life-changing, but it is only one part of quality support. When it is chosen thoughtfully, used safely and backed by people who listen, it can create more room for the things that matter: a familiar routine, a conversation with friends, a meal made independently, or the confidence to head out into the community on your own terms.
