Depending on the type of assistive technology (AT), you may need seek advice or support from an AT assessor to ensure you access the equipment (or AT) that works best for you. Some require an assistive technology application.
Any low-cost or low-risk items, also known as basic AT, do not require an assistive technology application. Instead, you can buy the equipment yourself in-store or online. Examples of basic AT include a shower stool, eating utensils or non- slip mats. You can still seek advice from an AT assessor if you aren’t sure what or how to get these items.
High-risk or high-cost AT are specialised and complex items that require AT assessor involvement and AT application to NDIS. An occupational therapist can assess you for high-risk AT. They are trained in understanding a person’s abilities, activities they need to complete on a typical day, challenges performing or participating in these activities, and the environment they live in. They also stay informed about the latest technologies and NDIS processes. This positions them well to assess people for high-risk assistive technology.
At Optimal Therapy, our occupational therapists can recommend the best AT to meet your needs, suit your environment and enable you to participate in everyday life activities. Combining our expertise with your goals, we can help you discover the AT that will best fit you and your life.
In our role, we consider the different features you need and what AT is currently available, as well as future customisations you may require. For example, it is important to know if repair services are easily accessible and whether the AT is compatible with other items you already use. As part of the process, we keep you informed along the way and explain to you your different options to make informed choices.
We are also responsible for making sure the high-cost equipment meets required NDIS guidelines. This often means trialling different solutions to find the most cost-effective option that will help you achieve your goals. Trialling different equipment is a great way to test out things you haven’t tried or seen before. This also gives us extra information about what will work best for you.
For high-cost equipment, we provide detailed justification to NDIS about why this is money well-spent. We understand this can be frustrating and bureaucratic. However, we are well-versed in explaining our decisions and reasons and as health professionals, it is important that we can confidently recommend anything we are seeking funding for from NDIS. This also helps makes sure there is enough funding for everyone to access the supports they need from NDIS in the future.
We understand that the equipment that you use everyday makes a big difference to your life so it is important to us that we make the right decision together. We will be there to help set up your AT and make sure you get the most out of it. If you want to know more about assistive technology, get in touch with our team here.
