The right equipment can make a significant difference to everyday independence, safety and comfort. For NDIS participants, assistive technology can include everything from simple daily living aids through to mobility equipment, bathroom and toileting products, pressure care solutions and specialised equipment.
Understanding how to purchase these products using NDIS funding can sometimes feel complicated, particularly if you are new to the NDIS or unsure how your funding is managed.
At Independence Medical Group (IMG), we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible.
What Is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is equipment or devices designed to help a person perform tasks that may otherwise be difficult because of their disability.
Depending on an individual’s needs, this may include products such as:
- Mobility aids and walkers
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters
- Shower chairs and bathroom aids
- Toileting equipment
- Daily living aids
- Pressure care products and cushions
- Ramps and access equipment
- Lift recliner chairs
- Bedroom and positioning equipment
- Rehabilitation and therapy products
The important thing is that the equipment must be suitable for your individual needs and meet the requirements of your NDIS plan.
Check Your NDIS Plan Before Purchasing
Before purchasing equipment using NDIS funding, it is important to check that you have appropriate funding available and that the product is considered an eligible NDIS support.
Different types of assistive technology may also have different requirements. Some products can be purchased relatively simply, while more specialised or higher-cost equipment may require supporting documentation, professional advice, assessment or approval.
If you are uncertain, speak with your plan manager, support coordinator, allied health professional or NDIS contact before making a purchase.
How Is Your NDIS Funding Managed?
How equipment is purchased and paid for will depend largely on how your NDIS funding is managed.
Self-Managed
If you self-manage your NDIS funding, you have greater control over purchasing and paying for your supports.
Depending on your funding arrangements, you may purchase eligible equipment and then submit the required information through the NDIS participant portal or app.
Keeping invoices, receipts and other relevant documentation is important when managing your own NDIS purchases.
Plan Managed
If your funding is plan managed, your plan manager handles payments and financial administration on your behalf.
When purchasing equipment, an invoice can generally be provided to your plan manager for processing. Your plan manager will then arrange payment using the appropriate funding within your NDIS plan.
NDIA Managed
If your funding is NDIA managed, purchases must generally be made through registered NDIS providers.
As a registered NDIS provider, Independence Medical Group can assist eligible NDIA-managed participants with equipment purchases and the appropriate payment process.
Choosing Equipment That Is Right for You
Price should not be the only consideration when selecting assistive technology.
The equipment needs to be appropriate for your individual circumstances, environment and abilities. Something as simple as the height of a chair, the width of a mobility aid or the configuration of bathroom equipment can make a considerable difference to usability and safety.
For specialised equipment, it may be beneficial to discuss your requirements with an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or other qualified health professional.
Where appropriate, equipment trials can also help determine whether a product is suitable before committing to a purchase.
Purchasing NDIS Equipment Through IMG
Independence Medical Group offers a wide range of healthcare, mobility and daily living products that may be suitable for NDIS participants.
You can browse products through the IMG website, add the equipment you require to your cart and proceed through the checkout.
For applicable NDIS orders, you can select the NDIS – Pay Later option. No payment is taken when the order is initially submitted. Our team can then review the order with you and confirm how your funding is managed before arranging the appropriate invoicing or payment process.
This helps remove some of the uncertainty around purchasing equipment while ensuring the correct process is followed for your funding arrangement.
Need Help With an NDIS Equipment Purchase?
You don’t need to navigate the process alone.
Whether you are self-managed, plan managed, NDIA managed or purchasing on behalf of an NDIS participant, the Independence Medical Group team can help you understand the next steps when ordering equipment.
Browse our range of healthcare and assistive technology products online or visit our NDIS information page to learn more about purchasing equipment using NDIS funding.