AAT Case Management Guide

Assistive Technology: Low-Cost Consumables

OFFICIAL For Internal Use Only

Field	Content	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 cases before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).	Operational Guideline – Assistive Technology; Operational Guideline – Reasonable and necessary supports; [Reasonable and necessary supports
Scope	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
Escalation to Hearing Oversight Committee (HOC)	If a matter is within the parameters of this document, the AAT Case Management Branch Manager may approve proceeding to hearing. Where there is substantial risk or the matter is outside the parameters of this document, the matter should be referred to HOC.
Current National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) policy on the subject	The AAT process is often seen as stressful and adversarial by the participants and our focus should be on resolving issues as practicably and quickly as possible. The role of the NDIA is to assist the AAT and the participant in reaching the best possible resolution for the participant by agreement. The NDIA is unable to provide low-cost AT funding for items which are: • 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; • additional hardware or accessories, other than standard protective cases.	NDIA Dispute Resolution Policy; Appendix B to the Legal Services Directions 2017; Assistive Technology – Guide for low cost support funding

AAT Case Management Guide

Assistive Technology: Low-Cost Consumables

OFFICIAL For Internal Use Only

NDIA Posture in relation to this subject	The NDIA must consider whether funding for low-cost AT is more appropriately provided by other mainstream service delivery systems. 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.

Evidence recommended to inform NDIA position in a specific matter before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)	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. The NDIA will rely on the best 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 on maintenance costs. Generally, participants should not be expected or need to spend more than $600 on a standard tablet, computer, or iPad in order to participate in online video classes. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way in which some supports can be delivered, with greater reliance on technology to enable the continuity of support delivery (such as through telehealth and video conferencing). The NDIA will continue its flexible approach to AT to accommodate these changes.

| Previous matters that may advise the NDIA position | | — | — |

Document admin	Quality, Strategy and Training 4 January 2023

Approved	Matthew Swainson, Chief Counsel