Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

Assistive technology, often called AT, is equipment or devices that help people do things they cannot do, or cannot do easily or safely, because of their disability. This lesson explains the range of AT and what the NDIS will and will not fund. Key points: AT ranges from simple, low cost items to complex, custom made devices; the NDIS funds AT that is directly related to the person's disability, helps them work towards their goals and is supported by evidence; everyday items that everyone needs, such as ordinary furniture, are generally not funded; and a recommendation alone does not guarantee funding.

The NDIS groups AT by cost, and the evidence needed rises with the cost. Key points: low cost AT is under $1,500 per item, and low risk items the person has bought before can often be bought without advice; mid cost AT is between $1,500 and $15,000 per item and needs written evidence from an allied health practitioner or AT advisor; high cost AT is over $15,000 per item and needs an assessment report from a qualified assessor and a quote that includes delivery, installation and training; AT can also be rented; and thresholds can change, so check current NDIS guidance.

Choosing the right AT is a skilled job. This lesson explains the role of AT assessors and advisors and how support workers can contribute. Key points: AT advisors and assessors are usually allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech pathologists, with the right skills for that type of AT; they assess the person, their goals, their environment and the people who support them; trials help confirm the right choice; the person is at the centre of every decision; and support workers can share practical observations, with consent, about how equipment is used day to day.

Home modifications are custom built changes to a person's home that help them access and use it safely. This lesson explains the difference between minor and complex modifications. Key points: minor modifications are straightforward, lower risk, do not affect the structure and generally cost no more than $25,000; complex modifications affect the structure or need technical work, generally cost more than $25,000 and need approvals and certificates; a qualified occupational therapist completes the home modification assessment; complex work needs a building practitioner and itemised quotes; the owner must give written approval; and only qualified tradespeople can do the work.

AT only helps when it works. This lesson covers how repairs, maintenance and rental are generally handled. Key points: NDIS plans can include funding for repairs and maintenance of AT the person currently uses; regular maintenance should follow the manufacturer's advice and be done by the supplier or another suitable provider; warranties do not usually cover accidental damage; urgent repairs may be funded when they meet the NDIA's criteria; rental can be used for trials or short term needs; and staff should know who to contact when equipment needs servicing or repair.

Faulty equipment can cause serious injuries. This lesson explains how to check equipment before use and what to do if something is wrong. Key points: do a quick visual and functional check before using equipment such as hoists, slings, wheelchairs and shower chairs; look for damage, wear, missing parts, flat batteries and service tags that are out of date; if equipment is unsafe, stop using it, keep the person safe, label it clearly and report it straight away; never attempt your own repairs; and complete an incident report if anyone was hurt or nearly hurt.

Support workers help people use AT safely every day. This lesson covers the basics of safe use. Key points: this course builds knowledge only, so you must be trained in the specific equipment and assessed as competent where required, and follow the person's support plan; follow the manufacturer's instructions and the person's plan, including the number of workers needed; charge batteries and clean equipment as instructed; support the person to use equipment as independently as they can; and ask for help or retraining whenever you are unsure.

For many people, their AT is part of who they are. This lesson explores how to respect people's preferences and dignity around their equipment. Key points: a person's wheelchair is part of their personal space, so ask before touching or moving it; a communication device is the person's voice and should always be available; people have the right to choose how and when they use their AT, and to refuse; explain what you are doing and why; involve the person in decisions about repairs and replacements; and report any concern that equipment is being used to restrict someone.

This case study follows Beatrice, a woman with multiple sclerosis who has just had a ceiling hoist installed after an occupational therapy assessment. It looks at the training every worker needs before using new equipment, what to do when you arrive for a shift and have not yet been trained, and how the team makes sure Beatrice's preferences shape how the hoist is used. Key points: only use equipment you are trained on, follow the plan and any back up arrangement, never learn on the job by watching once, and report gaps in training to your team leader.

This case study follows Ahmed, a man with a spinal cord injury who rents his unit and needs changes to his bathroom so he can shower safely. It walks through the home modification assessment, written landlord approval and qualified tradespeople, then looks at what support workers should do when finished work does not suit the person. Key points: the occupational therapist leads the assessment, the owner must approve in writing, only qualified trades do the work, support workers share observations but do not design or alter modifications, and finished work is checked against the person's needs.