FOI 24/25-0753 OFFICIAL For Internal Use Only
DOCUMENT 5
Case Management Guide
Assistive Technology (AT): Low Cost-Consumables
| Field | Category | Reference Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Assistive Technology (AT): Low-Cost Consumables |
|
| Purpose | This document is part of a suite of guidance documents for Case Managers to use in formulating their approach to managing individual matters before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). This Guide applies nationally to the conduct of all matters within the ART Case Management Branch. |
|
| What is low-cost assistive technology? | Low-cost assistive technology (AT) assists participants to do things more easily or safely. Funding for low-cost AT is included in a planned consumables budget, which enables a participant to purchase the low-cost AT they require. Low-cost AT consumables are any which are charged at $1,500.00 per item or less, such as: * continence products * non-slip bathmats * large print labels * walking sticks * basic shower chairs |
Operational Guideline — Assistive Technology Operational Guideline — Reasonable and necessary supports Reasonable and necessary supports |
| Policy statement | The ART process is often seen as stressful and adversarial by participants and prospective participants of the Scheme. The NDIA will adopt a participant-focused approach to resolving disputes before the ART, and will work directly with participants and prospective participants to provide better and earlier outcomes, where possible. The role of the NDIA is to assist the ART in reaching the correct and preferable decision, including by assisting participants and prospective participants in reaching the best possible resolution by agreement. |
NDIA Dispute Resolution Policy Appendix B to the Legal Services Directions 2017 Schedule 1 and 2 National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS Supports) Transitional Rules 2024 |
NDIA-ARB-GDE-017-FINAL OFFICIAL Page 1 of 3
Page 14 of 44
FOI 24/25-0753 OFFICIAL For Internal Use Only
Case Management Guide
Assistive Technology (AT): Low Cost-Consumables
| Field | Category | Reference Documents |
|---|---|---|
| The NDIA is unable to provide low-cost AT funding for items which are: * not NDIS supports; * considered an ordinary living cost (utilities); * applications or software intended for the continuity of support, as this is generally free, very low cost, or provided by a Provider; and/or * additional hardware or accessories, other than standard protective cases. |
Assistive Technology — Guide for low cost support funding |
|
| Approach to ART matters | The NDIA will fund all reasonable and necessary low-cost AT, where that support is a NDIS support. Because every case is unique, and the needs of an individual participant may change over time, the NDIA will consider whether it would be preferable to rent, as opposed to buying, a particular item. |
Assistive technology explained |
| Evidence recommended | The NDIA will support and encourage participants to provide detailed assessments detailing their low-cost AT needs and quotes to substantiate the amount of low-cost AT funding available in their plan. Low-cost AT which poses a higher risk — including, but not limited to, bed sticks and other transfer aids, bed rails, bed covers, weighted blankets and pressure cushions — will generally require advice from an AT Advisor or AT Assessor, to ensure appropriate funding is provided. If the requested AT is low cost and low risk, TAPIB suggest that advice be obtained from an AT Advisor about the specific item that will best meet the participant’s needs. However, if the requested AT is low cost and higher risk, it is necessary to obtain written advice from an AT Advisor on whether the AT is safe and appropriate for the participant, and on whether there are other suitable and safer alternatives. |
Assistive technology product risk table |
NDIA-ARB-GDE-017-FINAL OFFICIAL Page 2 of 3
Page 15 of 44
FOI 24/25-0753 OFFICIAL For Internal Use Only
Case Management Guide
Assistive Technology (AT): Low Cost-Consumables
| Field | Category | Reference Documents |
|---|---|---|
| The NDIA will rely on the available evidence in forming a view, including expert evidence, medical evidence, opinion evidence and witness statements. | ||
| Other considerations | Participants should generally not be expected or need to spend more than $750 (per year) on maintenance costs. Generally, where replacement supports have been considered, participants should not need to spend more than $600 on a standard tablet or computer. |
Flexible low cost AT for support continuity |
Document Control
| Document Control | Responsible Person | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Document author | Continuous Improvement | November 2024 |
| Document approver | Director, Continuous Improvement | 20 November 2024 |
NDIA-ARB-GDE-017-FINAL OFFICIAL Page 3 of 3
Page 16 of 44