If you've just had Assistive Technology included in your NDIS plan, or you're preparing for a plan review and want to know what equipment the NDIS actually covers, this guide breaks it down in plain language. The official NDIS documentation is thorough, but it can be hard to wade through when all you want to know is whether you can buy a shower chair with your funding.
Short answer: the NDIS funds a wide range of equipment that helps participants with daily living, mobility, personal care, and safety at home. Here's what that means in practical terms, how the purchasing process works depending on how your plan is managed, and what typical budget ranges look like for common items.
The NDIS defines Assistive Technology (AT) as any device, equipment, or system that helps a person perform tasks they would otherwise find difficult or impossible due to their disability. That's a broad definition on purpose. It covers everything from a simple shower stool through to powered wheelchairs and complex communication devices.
AT funding in your plan usually falls under one of these support categories:
The category matters because it affects how you purchase and claim. Your plan document or your plan manager can tell you which category your funding sits in and how much is allocated.
This is not an exhaustive list (the NDIS doesn't publish a single fixed product catalogue), but these are the items participants most commonly purchase. The NDIS funds the item if it's reasonable, necessary, and related to the participant's disability and goals.
Browse our walking aids range for rollators, walkers, and walking sticks that are commonly purchased through NDIS plans.
Our bathroom safety section covers most of these categories.
Continence products are typically funded under the Consumables category. See our continence products range.
Check our compression garments collection for options commonly supplied through NDIS.
These are ballpark figures based on what participants typically spend. Your actual allocation depends on your plan, your assessed needs, and any OT reports supporting the request.
| Item | Typical Price Range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shower stool | $60 - $200 | Basic aluminium through to padded, height-adjustable |
| Over-toilet frame | $80 - $250 | Freestanding or clip-on; check toilet compatibility |
| Rollator (standard outdoor) | $150 - $450 | Higher for bariatric or specialty models |
| Manual wheelchair | $300 - $3,000+ | Huge range depending on features and customisation |
| Pressure care cushion | $80 - $800 | Foam through to air-cell cushions |
| Daily living aid kit | $30 - $150 | Reachers, sock aids, dressing aids as individual items |
| Continence supplies (quarterly) | $100 - $400 | Depends on usage level and product type |
| Compression garments (pair) | $40 - $120 | Medical grade; replace every 3 to 6 months |
How you buy equipment depends on how your NDIS plan is managed. This is one of the most confusing parts for new participants, so here it is step by step.
You have the most flexibility. You can buy from any supplier (including online), pay upfront, and claim reimbursement through the NDIS portal. You can also choose to get quotes from multiple suppliers and go with whoever offers the best combination of price, service, and delivery. Many self-managed participants buy directly from our store and submit the invoice for reimbursement.
The catch: you're responsible for keeping records, making sure the purchase aligns with your plan goals, and staying within your budget allocation.
A plan manager handles the financial side. You can still choose your supplier, including registered and unregistered providers. You (or the supplier) send the invoice to your plan manager, and they pay it from your NDIS funds. This is the most popular management type for equipment purchases because it gives you choice without the paperwork burden.
We regularly work with plan managers across Australia. If you send us your plan manager's details, we can invoice them directly so you don't need to pay out of pocket.
The NDIA manages your funds directly. You can only purchase from NDIS-registered providers. This limits your supplier options, but the process is handled for you. For equipment purchases, the NDIA or your support coordinator will typically arrange a quote from a registered supplier.
For higher-cost items (generally over $1,500), the NDIA may require an Assistive Technology assessment from an occupational therapist or other allied health professional, regardless of your management type. This is a formal report that justifies why you need the specific item.
The NDIS groups Assistive Technology into complexity levels that determine how the purchasing process works:
Level 1: Basic (under ~$1,500). Simple, off-the-shelf items. Shower stools, walking sticks, reachers, continence products, basic rollators. These generally don't require a formal AT assessment. If the item is in your plan and it's straightforward, you can go ahead and purchase it.
Level 2: Standard ($1,500 to ~$5,000). Items that might need some selection guidance. Mid-range wheelchairs, more complex rollators, pressure care systems. An informal assessment or recommendation from a therapist is often expected.
Level 3: Complex ($5,000 to ~$15,000). Custom or semi-custom items. Powered wheelchairs, complex seating systems, specialised communication devices. A formal AT assessment and written report from a qualified assessor is required.
Level 4: Specialised (over ~$15,000). Highly customised or specialised equipment. Full AT assessment, trials, and detailed justification required.
Most of what we sell falls into Level 1 and Level 2. For these items, the purchasing process is usually straightforward, especially for self-managed and plan-managed participants.
There are some limits worth knowing about upfront so you don't waste time requesting items that will be knocked back:
If you're unsure whether a specific item is covered, your support coordinator or plan manager is the best first point of contact. You can also call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
Medical disclaimer: This guide provides general information about NDIS Assistive Technology funding based on publicly available NDIA resources. NDIS plans, budgets, and approval processes vary between participants and change over time. This guide is not financial advice and does not guarantee that any specific item will be funded in your plan. For advice specific to your situation, contact your support coordinator, plan manager, or the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110. Information is current as of the date of publication and may not reflect recent policy changes.
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