What Is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) refers to any equipment, device, or system that helps a person do something they otherwise could not do - or could only do with difficulty. It ranges from simple everyday aids to complex electronic systems.
Examples include:
- Mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters
- Bathroom equipment including shower chairs, commodes, and over-toilet frames
- Kitchen aids like jar openers, one-handed cutting boards, and tap turners
- Transfer equipment such as slide sheets, transfer boards, and hoists
- Communication devices for participants with speech or language needs
- Environmental controls that operate lights, doors, and appliances
- Pressure care products including mattresses and cushions
The right AT is the equipment that matches the participant's functional needs, goals, environment, and long-term trajectory - not simply the newest or most expensive option.
Why an AT Assessment Matters
An AT assessment is more than a shopping list. Getting the wrong equipment can cause injury, sit unused, or require costly replacement. An occupational therapist brings clinical reasoning to the process by:
- Identifying the underlying functional need rather than the surface-level problem
- Trialling equipment options to check fit, safety, and usability
- Considering the home environment to ensure equipment works in the participant's actual space
- Thinking long-term so the equipment continues to be suitable as needs change
- Documenting evidence to meet NDIS or Home Care Package requirements
NDIS AT Funding Levels
The NDIS groups assistive technology into three cost-based levels, each with different evidence requirements:
- Low-cost AT (under $1,500 per item) - Minimal evidence required. Participants with flexible funding can generally purchase these items directly.
- Mid-cost AT ($1,500 to $15,000) - An OT recommendation letter with quotes is required.
- High-cost AT (over $15,000) - A comprehensive AT assessment report is required, typically with equipment trials and detailed justification.
In addition, some AT items are classified as "complex" regardless of price. These include custom wheelchairs, pressure-care mattresses, hoists, and environmental control systems. Complex AT always requires an experienced OT with credentialing in that equipment area.
What Happens During an AT Assessment?
A typical AT assessment includes several stages:
- Initial consultation - Understanding the participant's goals, current function, and daily routines
- Home and environmental review - Looking at the spaces where the equipment will be used
- Clinical observations - Watching the participant attempt relevant tasks and identifying where AT could help
- Equipment trials - Where possible, trying options either in-home or at a supplier showroom
- Supplier liaison - Coordinating with AT providers to obtain quotes and product specifications
- Report preparation - Documenting the assessment, the recommended solution, and the evidence supporting it
The entire process for complex AT typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from assessment to report submission.
Choosing the Right OT for AT
Not all occupational therapists work across all AT areas. Areas such as complex seating, power wheelchairs, and environmental controls require significant additional training and experience. When choosing an OT, ask:
- Have they worked with this specific equipment category before?
- Do they have relationships with suppliers who can provide trials?
- Can they see your home environment, or is it clinic-only?
- What is their typical timeline for AT reports?
Funding Beyond the NDIS
AT is not only funded through the NDIS. Other funding streams include:
- Home Care Packages - Can fund a wide range of AT for older adults living at home
- Department of Veterans' Affairs - For eligible veterans through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program
- State equipment schemes - Such as Victoria's Aids and Equipment Program or the NSW EnableNSW scheme
- Private purchase - Where participants choose to fund equipment directly
An OT can help identify which funding stream is most appropriate for each item and assist with the relevant application process.
Getting Started
If you or a participant you support needs an assistive technology assessment, our occupational therapists complete AT assessments across Melbourne and Western Sydney. We work with suppliers across the industry to provide impartial equipment recommendations.
To discuss a referral, call us on 0450 874 303 or email admin@ergotherapygroup.com.au. You can also submit a referral through our [referral page](/referrals).