NDIS Assistive Technology Assessments: Process, Evidence and Funding
An NDIS Assistive Technology Assessment helps work out whether a piece of assistive technology is suitable for your disability-related needs, how safely it can be used, what alternatives should be considered and what evidence the NDIA may need before funding is approved.
But not every assistive technology purchase requires a formal assessment.
Under current NDIS guidance, the evidence you need depends on both the cost of the item and the risk involved in using it. A low-cost, low-risk item may need little formal evidence. A mid-cost item generally needs written evidence from a suitable assistive technology advisor. High-cost assistive technology requires an assessment from an appropriately qualified assistive technology assessor, and higher-risk equipment can require professional safety advice regardless of price.
That distinction is important because “assistive technology assessment” can describe several different levels of professional input, from practical advice about an everyday device through to a detailed assessment, equipment trial and report for a complex high-cost item.
This guide explains how NDIS Assistive Technology Assessments work, when you may need one, what evidence applies to low-, mid- and high-cost equipment, who can assess different technologies, how trials and reports work, and what happens after a recommendation is made.
What is assistive technology under the NDIS?
Assistive technology, usually shortened to AT, is equipment, devices or technology that can help a person with disability perform everyday activities, increase independence, participate in daily life or use other supports more effectively.
Depending on the person’s needs, examples might include:
- adapted cutlery or other daily-living aids
- shower or toileting equipment
- adjustable beds
- transfer equipment
- mobility devices
- communication technology
- positioning or pressure-management equipment
- certain disability-related environmental or access devices
Not every useful product is automatically an NDIS support. The NDIA considers whether the item relates to the person’s disability, supports their goals and needs, has appropriate evidence behind it and is more appropriately funded by the NDIS than another system.
Ordinary consumer technology is also not automatically assistive technology for NDIS funding purposes. For example, tablets and smart devices are generally everyday household items unless they meet specific NDIS requirements, such as an approved replacement support.
You can read the current NDIS guide to assistive technology for the official overview.
What is an NDIS Assistive Technology Assessment?
An Assistive Technology Assessment looks at the relationship between:
- the participant’s disability-related needs
- the everyday activity or problem the technology is intended to address
- the environment where the item will be used
- available equipment options
- safety and risk
- setup, training and ongoing use
- the evidence the NDIA may need to consider funding
The assessor is not simply choosing a product from a catalogue.
A useful assessment considers whether the technology is appropriate for the person, whether simpler or lower-cost options have been considered, how the item fits with existing supports and whether the participant can use it safely.
The process may include a discussion, functional observation, review of previous equipment, measurements, equipment trials, supplier input and written recommendations.
The amount of assessment required varies considerably. A low-cost everyday aid and a high-cost powered device should not be treated as though they require the same process.
Do you actually need a formal Assistive Technology Assessment?
Not always.
A practical way to work out what to ask next is:
- Identify the task or problem. What do you want the equipment to help you do?
- Check whether the need is disability-related. The item still needs to be an NDIS support and fit your circumstances.
- Estimate the item cost. Is it low-, mid- or high-cost under current NDIS thresholds?
- Consider risk. Could incorrect selection, setup or use cause harm?
- Check the evidence requirement. Do you need general advice, written evidence or a formal assessment?
- Check your plan. Is the relevant assessment or equipment funding already available?
- Find the right professional. Make sure their expertise matches the particular type of technology.
This is a starting point rather than an eligibility test. Particular equipment categories, safety risks and individual circumstances can change the evidence required.
Low-, mid- and high-cost AT: what evidence do you need?
Current NDIS guidance separates assistive technology into three cost bands.
| Approximate item cost | Typical evidence or advice | Who may provide it | Quote / approval considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-cost: under $1,500 | Formal assessment is not routinely required for low-risk items. Higher-risk items still need appropriate written safety advice. | An appropriately experienced AT advisor, assessor or other suitable professional where advice is required. | If suitable Core Consumables funding is available, low-cost AT can generally be purchased without sending a quote to the NDIA first. |
| Mid-cost: $1,500 to $15,000 | Written evidence is required. This may be a letter, email or report and does not have to be a full formal assessment. | A suitable AT advisor, such as an appropriately qualified allied health practitioner or other professional with relevant expertise. | A purchase quote is not generally required simply because the item is mid-cost, but cost information must be included in the evidence. Existing plan funding must be appropriate. |
| High-cost: over $15,000 | A formal assessment report is required. | A suitably qualified AT assessor with expertise relevant to the equipment. | NDIA approval is required before purchase. At least one quote is generally required, and the NDIA may request another quote. A trial may also be required. |
Cost and risk are separate. A product costing less than $1,500 is not automatically low-risk. Items such as bed poles, transfer aids or other equipment can involve significant safety considerations despite being relatively inexpensive.
Current NDIS guidance says higher-risk AT requires written professional advice to help make sure the item is appropriate and safe to use.
What is higher-risk assistive technology?
The NDIA describes higher-risk AT as equipment that requires specialised advice to select, set up or use safely.
Examples may include:
- adjustable beds
- bed sticks or transfer aids
- complex bathing or toileting equipment
- pressure-care devices
- vehicle modifications
- prosthetics or orthotics
- equipment supporting breathing
- some mobility equipment
Equipment regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration may also be treated as higher-risk.
The important point is that an inexpensive product can still create significant risk if it is unsuitable, fitted incorrectly or used without appropriate instruction.
What is the difference between an AT advisor and an AT assessor?
The NDIS uses these terms differently.
Assistive Technology advisor
An AT advisor can help you understand available equipment, choose suitable options and learn how to set up and use the technology safely.
Depending on the item, an advisor might be:
- an allied health practitioner
- a rehabilitation engineer
- an assistive technology mentor
- a suitably experienced medical practitioner or specialist
- another professional with relevant expertise
Current NDIS guidance requires an advisor to provide written evidence for mid-cost assistive technology.
Assistive Technology assessor
An AT assessor is a specialist AT advisor with qualifications and experience appropriate to the particular equipment being assessed.
Current NDIA guidance says assessors need relevant qualifications, experience and professional standards appropriate to the technology.
A high-cost AT assessment must be completed by an assessor.
Not every allied health professional is qualified to assess every type of equipment.
Can an Occupational Therapist complete an AT assessment?
Occupational Therapists often assess assistive technology relating to everyday function, personal care, domestic activities, mobility within everyday environments, positioning and practical participation.
But being an Occupational Therapist does not automatically make someone the appropriate assessor for every technology.
Specialised equipment may require different expertise.
For example:
- specialised hearing technology requires appropriately qualified hearing professionals
- prosthetics require relevant prosthetic expertise
- some communication devices may require Speech Pathology expertise
- specialist engineering solutions may involve a rehabilitation engineer
A suitable assessor should be able to explain whether the equipment falls within their professional competence and refer elsewhere when it does not.
When should you seek AT advice or an assessment?
It may be useful to seek professional AT input when:
- an everyday activity has become difficult or unsafe
- you are considering new disability-related equipment
- existing equipment no longer meets your needs
- your body size, function or environment has changed
- you need a mid-cost item and written evidence is required
- you are considering high-cost equipment
- equipment needs professional fitting or setup
- you want to compare several possible solutions
- a trial may be useful before making a long-term decision
- a supplier has recommended an item and you want independent professional advice
A diagnosis alone does not determine which equipment is appropriate. The assessment needs to connect the technology to the person’s actual functional needs and circumstances.
What happens during an Assistive Technology Assessment?
There is no single appointment format for every assessment, but the process commonly involves several stages.
1. Clarifying the problem and goals
The assessor starts by understanding what you want the equipment to help with.
For example, the question might involve preparing meals more independently, transferring more safely, communicating, managing personal care or accessing activities outside the home.
2. Reviewing current function and supports
The assessor may ask about your disability-related functional needs, current equipment, existing supports and what has or has not worked previously.
3. Understanding the environment
Where the equipment interacts with your home, workplace or community environment, the assessor may need to understand the space where it will actually be used.
Measurements, photographs or an in-person visit may be relevant depending on the item and with appropriate consent.
4. Considering different options
A good assessment should not assume the first product suggested is the only solution.
The assessor may consider:
- simpler alternatives
- different product features
- equipment already available to you
- lower-cost options
- rental or trial options
- how the equipment interacts with other supports
5. Assessing safety and practical use
This may include fit, positioning, setup, risk, maintenance, accessibility and whether training will be needed.
6. Trialling equipment where appropriate
A trial can show whether an item actually works in real life rather than only appearing suitable on paper.
7. Providing written advice or a report
The documentation depends on the type and cost of the item. Mid-cost evidence may be relatively concise. A high-cost assessment requires a more detailed formal report.
How do Assistive Technology trials work?
Trialling an item can help establish whether it is comfortable, functional, safe and practical before a long-term purchase is made.
A trial can be particularly useful where:
- you have not used the technology before
- several products could potentially meet the need
- fit or positioning matters
- the item interacts closely with your home environment
- your needs are changing
- the item is expensive or complex
The assessor and supplier may have different roles. The assessor provides professional advice about suitability, while the supplier may organise demonstration equipment, delivery, technical specifications and trial terms.
For mid-cost AT trials, current NDIA guidance requires written advice where trial funding needs to be added to the plan. For high-cost AT that is also expensive to rent, an assessment and quote may be required before trial funding is approved.
A successful trial does not guarantee that the NDIA will fund the eventual purchase. It becomes part of the evidence considered in the funding decision.
What should an AT assessment report include?
The amount of detail depends on the equipment and evidence pathway.
For a comprehensive or high-cost assessment, useful evidence may cover:
- the participant’s disability-related functional needs
- the goals or daily activities the equipment is intended to support
- the environment where it will be used
- previous equipment and why it did or did not work
- options considered
- trial results where relevant
- why the recommended item is appropriate
- why a lower-cost alternative may not meet the same need
- how the technology may affect other supports
- risks and how they can be managed
- training or setup requirements
- estimated purchase and maintenance costs
- a quote where required
The NDIA provides assessment templates for several types of AT. Using the template itself is not always mandatory, but the evidence still needs to contain the information required for the relevant funding decision.
AT Assessment vs Functional Capacity Assessment
An Assistive Technology Assessment and a Functional Capacity Assessment are related but they answer different questions.
| Functional Capacity Assessment | Assistive Technology Assessment |
|---|---|
| Looks broadly at how disability affects everyday functioning and support needs. | Focuses on whether particular technology or equipment is suitable for a specific functional need. |
| May examine personal care, mobility, communication, self-management, community access and other daily activities. | Examines equipment fit, safety, alternatives, trials, setup and evidence for an AT recommendation. |
| May identify that AT could be useful. | Provides more item-specific evidence about what technology is appropriate. |
An FCA may provide useful background functional information, but it does not automatically replace item-specific AT evidence.
Likewise, you do not necessarily need a full FCA simply because you need an AT assessment.
For the broader functional assessment process, see Aligned Assist’s NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment guide.
Is an AT assessment the same as a home modification assessment?
No.
Portable or standalone equipment and structural changes to a home are different assessment pathways.
An Occupational Therapist assessing a shower aid, transfer device or other equipment is not necessarily undertaking the specialist home modification assessment required for structural works.
Current NDIS guidance says minor and complex home modifications require a qualified Occupational Therapist with specific home modification training and experience.
A home safety assessment or AT assessment should therefore not automatically be treated as sufficient evidence for structural home modifications.
How is an Assistive Technology Assessment funded?
The professional assessment and the equipment itself are separate costs.
Funding for advice and assessment
Current NDIS guidance says a participant with AT funding in their plan will have at least $500 available to seek advice from an AT advisor.
For mid- and high-cost technology, an NDIA planner may also include funding in the participant’s Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget for professional advice or assessment.
Improved Daily Living funding can include assessments, training and therapies such as Occupational Therapy.
Funding for the equipment
Low-cost AT is generally purchased through eligible Core Consumables funding where the plan has suitable funding available.
More expensive AT is generally funded through the participant’s Capital – Assistive Technology budget.
Capital funding is stated funding. It cannot simply be transferred into an unrelated category.
If the relevant funding is not in the plan, discuss the need and evidence with your my NDIS contact. Depending on the circumstances, a plan variation, check-in or plan reassessment may be relevant.
For broader information, see Aligned Assist’s Understanding NDIS Funding guide.
How much does an Assistive Technology Assessment cost?
There is no single fixed price for every AT assessment.
The professional cost depends on factors such as:
- the type and complexity of equipment
- the professional discipline required
- assessment time
- home or community visits where needed
- supplier liaison
- equipment trials
- research or comparison of options
- report preparation
- follow-up, fitting or training
For Occupational Therapy services funded under applicable NDIS pricing arrangements, providers need to follow the current NDIS pricing schedule where price limits apply.
Do not confuse the professional assessment fee with the cost category of the equipment. An item being “high-cost AT” means the equipment costs more than $15,000. It does not mean the assessment itself costs more than $15,000.
Before starting, ask the assessor what they expect the assessment to involve, their hourly rate, what report work is included and whether travel, trials or supplier liaison are charged separately.
How do quotes work?
Quotes are particularly important for high-cost AT.
Current NDIA guidance generally requires at least one quote for high-cost assistive technology.
The NDIA may request another quote if the proposed cost is higher than expected or additional value-for-money evidence is needed.
A high-cost quote should include relevant costs such as:
- the equipment itself
- delivery
- installation
- training where applicable
A supplier quote and an assessor’s recommendation serve different purposes. The supplier explains what the product will cost. The assessor provides evidence about why it is suitable for the participant.
How do you request AT funding?
The exact pathway depends on the item and what is already funded in your plan.
A practical sequence is:
- Check your current plan. Understand whether suitable AT, assessment or advice funding is already available.
- Define the functional need. Be clear about what activity or problem the technology needs to address.
- Get the right professional input. This may be advice, written evidence or a formal assessment depending on cost and risk.
- Trial options where useful or required. Document what worked and what did not.
- Obtain cost information or quotes. High-cost items require a quote.
- Submit the evidence if additional approval or funding is needed. This may be done through the participant portal, your my NDIS contact or another current NDIA pathway.
- Wait for approval where required. Do not commit to a high-cost purchase before the necessary funding decision.
- Arrange supply, setup and training. Once funded, work with the relevant assessor and supplier to implement the equipment safely.
If you already have appropriate mid-cost AT funding, current NDIS guidance allows you to purchase a suitable mid-cost item after obtaining the required written evidence.
What happens after the equipment is approved?
Approval is not the end of the AT process.
The equipment still needs to work properly in daily life.
Depending on the item, next steps may include:
- ordering from the chosen supplier
- delivery and installation
- fitting or adjustment
- setup
- participant training
- training for family members, carers or support workers where appropriate and with consent
- checking safe use
- follow-up after the equipment has been used in everyday life
Current NDIA provider guidance expects relevant providers to follow up after delivery, check that the item is correct and support safe use and required adjustments.
What if the AT request is not funded?
A professional recommendation does not guarantee an NDIS funding decision.
If the requested item is not funded, first understand why.
The issue may relate to:
- missing evidence
- the item not meeting current NDIS support requirements
- insufficient explanation of the disability-related need
- value for money
- a lower-cost alternative being considered suitable
- the item being more appropriately funded by another system
- funding not currently being available in the relevant plan budget
You may be able to provide additional evidence where something is missing or discuss whether a plan change is appropriate.
If you disagree with an NDIA decision, current NDIS processes also allow eligible decisions to be reviewed.
The assessor can provide professional evidence, but they cannot override the NDIA’s funding decision.
How long does an AT assessment take?
There is no reliable universal timeframe.
Timing depends on:
- the complexity of the technology
- how much existing information is available
- whether an environmental assessment is needed
- whether equipment must be trialled
- supplier availability
- whether several products are being compared
- report complexity
- whether further evidence is requested
- the separate NDIA funding-decision process where approval is required
A simple assessment may require relatively limited professional input. Complex high-cost technology may involve several appointments, trials and supplier discussions before a recommendation is ready.
Ask the provider about both the expected assessment process and the report timeframe rather than treating them as the same thing.
What should you prepare for an AT appointment?
You do not need to know the exact product you want before the assessment.
It is often more useful to bring information about the problem you want to solve.
Consider having:
- your goals and the everyday activities the equipment should support
- examples of what is currently difficult or unsafe
- details of equipment you already use
- information about previous items that did not work well
- relevant current therapy or functional reports
- your NDIS plan information where relevant
- questions or product options you want to discuss
- information about the environment where the device will be used
- the names of people you want involved in the assessment
- your preferred communication and accessibility arrangements
Only share personal or clinical information that is relevant to the assessment and through appropriate secure channels.
How to choose an Assistive Technology assessor
Choose the professional for the equipment question, not simply because their job title sounds relevant.
Useful checks include:
- Do they have qualifications appropriate to this equipment?
- Do they regularly assess the type of technology you are considering?
- Are they professionally registered where their discipline requires it?
- Can they explain whether you need advice, written evidence or a formal assessment?
- Can they arrange or support equipment trials where necessary?
- Can they assess the environment where the technology will be used if required?
- Are their fees and report scope clear?
- Are they independent when recommending suppliers or products?
- Can they explain what happens after the report?
- Do their communication and accessibility arrangements suit you?
Questions to ask before starting an AT assessment
- Do you have experience assessing this type of equipment?
- Do I need a formal assessment, or would written advice meet the current requirement?
- What will you need to understand about my everyday activities and environment?
- Should we trial equipment before making a recommendation?
- What alternative products or approaches will you consider?
- Do you have financial or business relationships with any suppliers you may recommend?
- What will your written evidence or report include?
- What fees should I expect for assessment, report writing, travel and liaison?
- Who will arrange trials and supplier quotes?
- What happens if the NDIA requests more evidence?
- Who will help with setup, fitting, training and review after the item is supplied?
Assistive technology for children
For children, AT decisions may need to take account of growth, changing routines, communication, learning, play, family environments and how quickly equipment may be outgrown.
Rental or trial arrangements can sometimes be particularly useful where a child’s needs are changing.
Children’s everyday products, sensory items, tablets or educational technology are not automatically NDIS-funded simply because they may be helpful. The same fundamental questions still apply: is the item an NDIS support, is it related to the child’s disability support needs, and is the evidence appropriate?
The assessor should also have experience relevant to the child’s age, developmental needs and the particular technology being considered.
Common misunderstandings about NDIS Assistive Technology Assessments
“Every AT item needs a full assessment.”
No. Low-cost, low-risk AT does not routinely require a formal assessment. Mid-cost AT requires written evidence, but that evidence does not automatically need to be a full assessment report.
“Anything under $1,500 is safe to buy without advice.”
No. Cost does not determine risk. Higher-risk equipment can require written safety advice even when the purchase price is low.
“Any Occupational Therapist can assess every device.”
No. The professional needs competence relevant to the particular technology. Some devices require specialist expertise from another profession.
“If my assessor recommends it, the NDIS has to fund it.”
No. The assessor provides professional evidence and recommendations. The NDIA decides whether the support meets current funding requirements.
“An FCA is the same as an AT assessment.”
No. An FCA looks broadly at functional capacity. An AT assessment focuses on matching particular technology with an identified functional need.
“High-cost AT means the assessment costs more than $15,000.”
No. The cost bands refer to the equipment price, not the professional assessment fee.
Assistive Technology Assessments in Melbourne
For Melbourne participants and referrers, the most important local question is not simply whether an assessor is nearby. It is whether they have the right expertise for the equipment being considered.
Depending on the device, also consider:
- whether an assessment needs to occur in the participant’s home or community environment
- access to suitable equipment suppliers and trials
- whether the assessor can collaborate with existing therapists or Support Coordinators where consent is provided
- whether supplier liaison is required
- current practitioner availability
- the expected assessment and reporting process
A Support Coordinator may also help a participant identify suitable assessors and organise different parts of the process. Aligned Assist’s NDIS Support Coordination guide explains that role in more detail.
Exploring an Assistive Technology Assessment with Aligned Assist
Aligned Assist is a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne with Occupational Therapy capability.
Aligned Assist currently presents Occupational Therapist Zak Azar as providing Assistive Technology Assessments alongside Functional Capacity Assessments, relevant home and living assessments and home safety evaluations.
Because assistive technology covers a very broad range of equipment, that should not be interpreted to mean every device category can be assessed by the same practitioner.
If you or someone you support needs an AT assessment, the useful first step is to explain:
- the everyday activity or functional problem involved
- the equipment being considered, if known
- whether written evidence or a formal assessment has been requested
- the approximate item cost
- whether a trial has already occurred
- any relevant deadline
Aligned Assist can then discuss whether the assessment falls within current practitioner scope and service capacity.
You can also explore Aligned Assist’s broader Therapeutic Supports in Melbourne.
- Call: 1300 927 248
- Email: info@alignedassist.com.au
- Enquire: Contact Aligned Assist
- Professional referral: Submit an NDIS referral
Frequently asked questions about NDIS Assistive Technology Assessments
What is an NDIS Assistive Technology Assessment?
An Assistive Technology Assessment considers a participant’s functional needs, goals, environment, equipment options and safety to determine whether particular assistive technology is suitable and to provide the evidence required for an NDIS funding decision where applicable.
Does every assistive technology item need an assessment?
No. Low-cost, low-risk items do not routinely need formal assessment. Mid-cost AT requires written evidence from a suitable advisor, while high-cost AT requires an assessment from an appropriately qualified AT assessor.
What is the difference between an AT advisor and an AT assessor?
An AT advisor provides advice about selecting and safely using suitable technology. An AT assessor is a specialist advisor with qualifications and experience appropriate to completing formal AT assessments, including assessments required for high-cost equipment.
What are low-, mid- and high-cost AT under the NDIS?
Current NDIS guidance defines low-cost AT as under $1,500 per item, mid-cost AT as $1,500 to $15,000, and high-cost AT as more than $15,000.
Can low-cost AT still require professional advice?
Yes. A low-cost item can still be higher-risk. Current NDIS guidance requires written advice for higher-risk AT so the participant can select, set up and use the equipment safely.
Can an Occupational Therapist complete an AT assessment?
Yes, where the Occupational Therapist has appropriate expertise for the particular equipment. Some specialised technology requires another appropriately qualified professional, such as an audiologist, prosthetist or another specialist assessor.
Does an AT assessment guarantee NDIS funding?
No. The assessment provides professional evidence and recommendations. The NDIA makes the funding decision according to the participant’s plan, disability-related needs and current NDIS requirements.
Do I need to trial equipment first?
Not always. Trials may be useful or required where suitability cannot be established without using the item, particularly for complex or high-cost technology. The assessor can advise whether a trial is appropriate.
Who pays for an Assistive Technology Assessment?
Professional AT advice or assessment may be funded through suitable Capacity Building funding where it is included in the participant’s plan. Current NDIA guidance also says participants with AT funding will have at least $500 available to seek AT advice. The equipment itself is funded separately through the relevant AT budget where approved.
How long does an Assistive Technology Assessment take?
There is no standard duration. The time depends on the equipment, complexity, environmental assessment needs, trials, supplier coordination and report requirements.