Living Without Boundaries is an NDIS Registered service provider that offers assessment and evaluation for applications seeking funding for Level 1 & 2 Assistive Technology (AT) supports. For Occupational Therapy assistance in obtaining AT you do not need to be an NDIS participant and can request assessment and evaluation as a Private Paying client.
Living Without Boundaries seeks to understand your AT needs and how they will help you pursue your goals. Some equipment and items will require one of our Occupational Therapists to assess your needs and situation, and identify the most appropriate AT.
Our Occupational Therapists can provide assistance in all “Low Risk” AT products. If your requirement falls under the “High Risk” category, our Occupational Therapists will collaborate with other Health Professionals to support your needs
NDIS
Assistive technology explained
Assistive technologies (AT) are physical supports that help you:
- do something more easily or safely
- do something you otherwise cannot do because of your disability.
Examples of AT can include:
- an app to help you speak to another person if you have a speech impairment
- non-slip mats, that assist you to move around your home safely
- special forks, that assist you to eat
- higher risk AT items, such as wheelchairs and adjustable beds.
AT may be included in your NDIS plan if:
- it meets the reasonable and necessary criteria
- it meets your needs
- it helps you to pursue your goals.
AT ranges from the simple to the complex. You may need the help of an AT assessor to determine the right AT solution for your needs.
We use 2 product risk categories (‘low’ and ‘higher’) to assess the complexity of your AT needs.
- Low risk AT products are:
- unlikely to cause harm in day-to-day life
- available for trial and / or can be purchased in retail stores
- easy to set up and safely use without professional advice.
- Higher risk AT products may be one or all of the following:
- complex, such as a power wheelchair
- known to have caused harm
- used for a restrictive practice
- require professional advice, setup or training for safe use.
Low, mid and high cost AT
It is recommended that you get advice from an AT assessor, and one of our Occupational Therapists can assist you to make sure you get AT that’s right for you.
NDIS states that its best to buy some items. For other items, it might be better to rent or borrow them. This is true if your needs are likely to change.
The Assistive technology – Guide for minor trial and rental funding (DOCX 65KB) has more information about how the NDIS works out the funding to include in your plan for minor trial or short term rental of AT.
The NDIA has different processes for low, mid and high cost AT. You can learn more about the categories and which part of your budget the funding sits in the How do we consider the cost of the assistive technology section of the guideline:
- Low cost assistive technology: under $1,500 per item
- Mid cost assistive technology: between $1,500 and $5,000 per item
- High cost assistive technology: over $5,000 per item.
Our Occupational Therapists are here to help with your Assistive Technology requirements and will work together with you and other Health professionals involved to assess and evaluate your needs for your application or purchase