Assistive Technology Submission 44
Dear Secretary
roundsquared is an independent peer organisation that provides flexible and responsive mentoring, support and consultancy to people living with disability and their families.
The assessment, approval and purchasing of assistive technology has proven to be one of the main barriers to a successful transition to the NDS for people with disability.
We work predominantly in rural areas of NSW where it can be difficult to access to therapists.
The approval process is the main obstacle. Once a therapist’s report has been received the expert recommendations in the report should be acted on within 5 days. The recommendation is the professional evidence based information that the NDIS requires to allocate the necessary funds to the participant; it is safe to assume that through the assessment process the therapist has met with the participant and has their agreement as to the specification of the assistive technology that is being recommended. As assistive technology is a key element in many people living safe and comfortable lives any delay is unconscionable.
The requirement for sometimes multiple assessments to be done by therapists to satisfy NDIS planners has a very significant impact on participants often overstretched therapy budget leaving them unable to access the necessary ongoing therapy they need.
Where a person is self managing or plan managing consideration should be given to making assistive technology items self or plan managed to enable the participant to go to the provider of their choice; particularly in rural areas.
regards
Mark