NDIS Guidelines - iPads and Smart Watches

Written By Chanelle Bullas

Heads up❗ NDIS rules have changed. 📢

📱 Tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, and apps are now considered "replacement supports." This means you can’t use NDIS funding to buy them. 🚫💰

We ❤️ using technology during intervention and know how useful these devices are for everyday life! But your OT, Speech Pathologist, or Behaviour Support Practitioner might recommend other supports too. This may include:

  • Using personalised visual schedules developed in collaboration with your therapist

  • Trial of other AT such as a Personal Alarm or Dementia Clock

  • Learning about other tools and settings already available on your personal phone or computer

  • Trial and implementation of communication devices such as a Go-Talk or communication board

  • Capacity-building intervention to learn how to save up for larger purchases, such as tablet or smart watch

  • Accessing community services such as the library to use the computer or hire a device

Once you have explored options with your therapist and it is determined that a smart device is the best and most effective option for you, the NDIA may fund these devices if they:

✅ Replace a support in your plan

✅ Cost the same or less than the support in your plan

✅ Are the same or better for you than the support in your plan

✅ Support communication

For further information on replacement supports, there is further information on the NDIS website, including Easy Read documents.

https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what-does-ndis-fund#what-is-not-ndis-support

To apply for a replacement support, you can download and fill in the “Application for replacement support form” at the link found at the bottom of this webpage 🔗 NDIS website

Chanelle Bullas
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