Better Living with NDIS Assistive Technology: 3 Ways It Can Help You Today

Key takeaways

• Assistive technology can be simple or advanced, but if it helps with daily life, it may be covered by your NDIS plan.
• Different items fall into different levels, and knowing the level helps you understand what’s required to access them.
• You don’t have to figure it out on your own, there are people who can help you choose, apply for, and use the right tools.

Getting through the day can take a lot more energy when your body or mind works differently. Simple things like getting dressed, preparing meals, or moving from one room to another can come with additional steps, planning, and sometimes help.

That’s why the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was created to give people access to the tools and services that make daily life simpler.

The NDIS supports Australians with a permanent and significant disability. It helps fund the services, equipment, and the supports that people need to live more independently and reach their goals. 

The NDIS doesn’t look at how much money you make or what you own when deciding if you can get support. It’s set up to give people more choice and control over the help they receive.

One part of the support they offer is assistive technology (AT). These are tools, devices, or equipment that make daily life easier, safer, or more accessible. 

It could be something simple, like a walking aid, or something more tailored, like a communication device. 

It can also include technology that helps people stay organised and make everyday decisions more independently, including how they manage their money.

If you're already in the NDIS or helping someone who is, here's how assistive technology can make a real difference today, and what you need to know to access it.

1. It makes daily tasks easier and safer

Some things are harder than they need to be. Cooking. Showering. Getting out the door. Everyday routines that most people move through without much thought can take more time, more effort, or more planning when you’re living with a disability.

Assistive technology helps take the edge off. 

It’s often not about advanced tech. It’s about practical tools that reduce strain, lower the risk of injury, and make the small parts of daily life more manageable.

Some of these are classed as Level 1 assistive technology. That means they’re low-cost and low-risk items that can usually be bought off the shelf and used safely without professional setup. They don’t need a prescription, trial, or ongoing support to use. 

Here are a few examples:

• jar openers and tap turners
• non-slip mats for the shower or bathroom
• long-handled sponges or dressing sticks
• raised toilet seats or shower chairs
• cutlery with built-up grips

If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can usually buy Level 1 items yourself, no quote or OT report needed, as long as they’re under $1,500, linked to your disability, and tied to a goal in your plan. 

Assistive technology is grouped into four levels, and Level 1 is just the starting point. The other three levels, levels 2, 3, and 4, cover items that are more complex, more expensive, or carry higher risks. 

As the level goes up, so does the need for quotes, trials, or professional assessments.

These aren’t just “nice to haves.” They reduce risk and bring a bit more ease into the day. If it helps you do something you couldn’t do before, or makes it less exhausting, it counts.

2. It supports your mobility and independence

Getting around safely and comfortably can make a big difference in how you live day to day. Whether you’re going to work, attending appointments, or just heading outside for some fresh air, the right mobility support can open things up, both physically and socially.

This kind of equipment usually starts at Level 2 assistive technology. These items are still considered low risk but tend to be more expensive or need more setup than Level 1. 

Think manual wheelchairs, walkers, or simple seating supports. They often don’t need a trial or OT report, but quotes are usually required.

More advanced mobility aids, like powered wheelchairs, scooters, or custom seating, are classed as Level 3 or Level 4. These are more complex and carry more risk, so they’ll often need an OT assessment, trials, or detailed reports before they’re approved. 

Some might also need installation or professional adjustments to make sure they’re safe and right for your body.

But independence isn’t only about mobility. 

AT also includes digital tools that support decision-making and daily routines, like apps that help people manage their money, organise appointments, or track their supports. 

These tools help people take more control over how their supports are used and how their day runs, which can make a real difference in how confident and capable someone feels.

Independence comes from more than movement, it’s also about having the tools to make your own choices.

3. It improves how you connect with others

Communication is a huge part of how we build confidence and stay connected. AT can support this in small but powerful ways. It might be a speech-generating device, hearing aids, or even just a tablet with the right apps.

For others, it could be a tablet with communication apps or tools that support non-verbal interaction, helping them ask questions, share needs, join conversations, and express opinions.

These tools help people express themselves more clearly and take part in conversations that matter, at home, in care, or in the community. 

If you’ve ever felt shut out because of a communication barrier, you’ll know how much difference this can make.

Getting started doesn’t have to be hard

Assistive technology can feel like a big system to step into. But it doesn’t have to be confusing. If it helps you live more independently, manage your day with less effort, or stay connected to the people and routines that matter, it’s worth exploring.

The right tool can free up your energy, make daily tasks safer, and give you more control over how you live and what support looks like for you. That might mean moving through your home more easily, communicating more clearly, or feeling more confident managing your own supports.

A good first step is talking to a support coordinator, Occupational therapist, or plan manager. They can help you figure out what’s possible, what’s fundable, and what’s worth pursuing, without the overwhelm.

The right support shouldn’t feel out of reach, and the right tech can make a bigger difference than you think.