Assistive Technology additional supports.
To assist participants to continue to receive supports during the COVID19 period, the NDIA has temporarily broadened the flexible approach to the purchase of low cost assistive technology (AT) items.
Participants may be able to claim items such as smart devices and fitness equipment if:
- it will maintain funded supports like a program or therapy (e.g. physiotherapy or Auslan interpreting provided via video conferencing); and
- the provider has confirmed in writing the device is necessary to continue supports while maintaining physical distancing requirements; and
- it is the lowest specification that will maintain funded supports; and
- they do not already have the item, another suitable one or access to it; and
- the item has not been funded by another service system; and
- the item or circumstances are not specifically excluded.
If these conditions are met, any participant can spend up to $1500 on low cost AT items from their existing budget but should not spend more than $750 on electronic devices, if required. A systems update will occur on 9 May to ensure this new flexibility is available to all participants (even when they currently do not have funding in their core budget for consumables).
This increased flexibility will be in place until September 2020. Participants and providers are urged to read the NDIA's advice carefully to understand the parameters of this new, temporary, flexibility.
Source: NDS National Disability Services - peak body
https://www.nds.org.au/news/covid-19-related-changes-for-sil-and-assistive-technology
If you or the person you care for does not have a smart device please pass this information onto the relevant Team Leader so that you can use your funds. An example could be purchasing a fit bit device to track and maintain an exercise program or purchasing an iPad to do online learning.
A letter from Windarring confirming the need is required to access this.
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