At Assistive Tech, as a registered NDIS provider we can assist you ordering iPads and low cost AAC devices regardless of where you are in Australia. We can help you with your purchase regardless of whether you have a self-managed, plan managed or agency (NDIS) managed NDIS plan.

The information that the NDIS publish regarding Low Cost AT changes regularly – we updated the information below on 28 June 2022.

If you want to purchase an iPad with your NDIS funds your purchase will typically be for telehealth or use with an AAC app like ProloQuo2Go or LAMP.

Telehealth

(Item Number 15_222400911_0124_1_3)

If you're buying your tablet for telehealth then you should not spend more than $750 and your tablet should not cost more than $600.

We recommend the following bundles for telehealth:

• Younger Children (Ages 12 & Below) – iPad + GoNow Case Bundle 
• Teenagers (Ages 13+) – iPad + Otterbox Defender Case Bundle
• Adults (Ages 18+) – iPad + STM Dux Plus Bundle

In order to complete your order you will need a letter from the provider that you are using the device with for telehealth. We have templates for providers so if your provider needs help, please ask them to get in touch with us or to read our Allied Health Provider Guide.

There is no need to be overly detailed in the support letter for this low cost purchase.

When you buy a device for telehealth the NDIS is very specific about what can't be funded. This includes:

Larger Tablets (unless for example head tracking is required).

Devices with cellular/mobile connectivity (you can pay the difference to upgrade to a model that has cellular and you will also have to pay for your own data plan as an everyday living expense)

Multiple devices (NDIS will only fund one device)

Internet and Data Costs

Accessories (except standard protective cases or disability specific cases, mounts and those related to your disability e.g. an apple pencil if you have dexterity issues).

Assistive Technology for Augmented Communication Apps 

(A variety of NDIS Item Codes may apply to this purchase.)

The NDIS has Operational Guidelines that outline the requirements for supply of Tablets / AAC Devices - this was updated on 10 February 2022.

If you already have budget available for the AAC purchase

If you would like to use your existing budget in their plan for the purchase of a tablet or other Low-Cost Assistive Technology then you will need written advice from an Assistive Technology Advisor – this could be an allied health practitioner, your speech pathologist or occupational therapist. If you are not working with an existing provider please complete our referral form and we can connect you with a provider in your area that may be able to assist.

Requesting Additional Funding from NDIS

Where you do not have budget or funding for the Tablet and AAC apps you require, you can request additional funding from the NDIS through the Change of Situation process.

The NDIS will need:

Completed Change of Situation Form

Draft Service Agreement with tablet and apps

Advice / Recommendation from the Speech Pathologist or OT.

Under the Participant Service Guarantee rule - your request must be considered and decided by the NDIS within 28 days.

Requesting Funding from NDIS at a Plan Review

If you're preparing for your plan review and your speech pathologist or OT has recommended a tablet and AAC apps the NDIS planner will need appropriate documentation and evidence for consideration of inclusion of the tablet and applications in the plan.

The NDIS will need:

A draft Service Agreement with tablet and apps

Advice / Recommendation from the Speech Pathologist / OT.

Frequently Asked Questions

We spend a lot of our time answering questions about NDIS policies, guidance and current processes for Assistive Technology. We've included below a summary of our most regularly asked questions:

1. Can I please get a quote?

At Assistive Tech we don't issue quotes. The easiest way to get the documentary evidence you need for an NDIS purchase is to place an order on our online store for the bundle and apps you need and then select your payment method (plan managed or NDIS managed) our customer service team will prepare a draft service agreement for you to include for your plan review or change of circumstance application.

2. Person "X" told me you can't buy an iPad with NDIS funds

The NDIS will always fund reasonable and necessary supports within their guidelines. We're a specialist in this space and can confirm that both Telehealth and AAC Tablets/Apps above are examples of reasonable and necessary supports and meet NDIS funding guidelines and are regularly funded by NDIS.

3. Can I order a device with mobile internet / cellular service?

The NDIS guidelines are specific on this issue. The participant must fund any difference between the lowest cost available model and the cellular model. We can assist with this process - typically a cellular model requires a you to make a  contribution of approximately $200 from your own money (though this varies from model to model). Please get in touch with our customer service team on 1300 088 222 for assistance.

4. I need an invoice for my plan manager. what do I do next?

Place your order online and select plan managed at the checkout page - our team will then help you with next steps.At Assistive Tech we always issue invoices directly to Plan Managers.

We're happy to send you a copy on request but please do not forward our invoices on to the plan manager as this often causes delays and rework. 

5. Why do you require a copy of the support letter / evidence of advice for agency managed orders?

As a registered NDIS provider we have a responsibility to ensure the orders we process meet NDIS eligibility requirements. We require evidence as per the NDIS guidelines to ensure we are not processing orders that don't meet NDIS critieria.

6. Why don't you ask for the support letter / evidence of advice for self-managed orders or plan-managed orders?

In these circumstances it is the responsibility of the participant to ensure they are only procuring reasonable and necessary supports. In some cases your plan manager may need to see a copy of your evidence before processing the payment of our invoice.

7. How long will it take to ship once I place an order for my participant?

At Assistive Tech we're one of the only providers nationally that keeps our products in stock for immediate dispatch. Once we have confirmation of payment the goods will ship the same business day (for payments received prior to 2pm).

8. I have other questions

If you have other questions or require assistance please get in touch with our friendly team via phone on 1300 088 222.