Changes to NDIS Legislation and Assistive Tech

This article was initially published on 26/08/2024 and updated on 27/08/2024

At Assistive Tech we know there is currently a lot of media attention on the recent legislation that has been passed by the Parliament entitled "National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024"

Whilst changes are coming, there is no change to our processes until the new laws come in to effect in mid to late September.

The NDIA has established an updates page related to these changes at https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10305-changes-ndis-legislation

Our policy and compliance team are working hard to update and amend our processes and published guidance to address any changes that will come in to effect as and when we receive new information from the NDIA.

A new transitional Rule for NDIS Supports will be established in Mid to Late September that may require changes to our approach to evidence collection including that we may require you to supply a copy of the relevant section of your plan along with your recommendations from your Assistive Technology Advisor when requesting us to make a claim for payment from the NDIS.

The Minister has also indicated that supply of some Low Cost Assistive Technologies that are otherwise considered mainstream may require a decision from the NDIA under their "Substitution Rule". It is expected this will impact the speed of access to Smart Watches that are used for fall detection, communication and other disability adaptations.