Allied health and therapy
NDIS Assistive Technology Assessment
Assistive technology is equipment that helps you do things more easily or safely, from a shower chair to a power wheelchair or communication device. For many items, the NDIS wants an assistive technology assessment from a professional first. On Solotude, you can find independent OTs, physios and speech pathologists who do AT assessments.
Last updated October 2026
What an AT assessment includes
- Working out what you need the equipment to do
- Looking at your body, home and daily routine
- Trialling different options before you choose
- Recommending the right item and any set-up
- Writing the evidence or quote request the NDIS needs
- Training you and your supporters to use it safely
How much evidence you need
The NDIS sorts assistive technology by cost and risk.| Type | What you usually need |
|---|---|
| Low cost, low risk (under $1,500) | Usually no assessment. You can buy it from your plan if it’s funded. |
| Mid cost ($1,500 to $15,000) | Evidence from a qualified professional, often a short written recommendation. |
| High cost (over $15,000) | A full AT assessment and a quote, approved before you buy. |
Funding
Equipment is funded from the Capital part of your plan, under Assistive Technology. The assessment itself is usually paid from your therapy funding. Customised and wearable technology is protected from the budget changes from 1 October 2026.Who provides assistive technology?
The right assessor depends on the equipment. OTs assess most daily living equipment, physios assess mobility equipment, and speech pathologists assess communication devices.Occupational therapists
Assess for most daily living equipment, like shower chairs, hoists, beds and wheelchairs. About NDIS occupational therapists · Occupational therapists in SydneyPhysiotherapists
Assess for mobility equipment, like walking frames, wheelchairs and standing frames. About NDIS physiotherapists · Physiotherapists in SydneySpeech pathologists
Assess for communication devices and mealtime equipment. About NDIS speech pathologists · Speech pathologists in SydneyHow much does NDIS assistive technology cost?
Therapy is usually paid from your Capacity Building budget, under Improved Daily Living. The NDIS sets an hourly price limit for each type of therapy, and it applies to time spent on assessments, sessions and writing reports. Therapists can usually also claim some travel time to come to you. Before you book, ask how many hours the assessment and report are likely to take, so you know the total cost up front. Every provider on Solotude shows their rate on their profile, so you know the cost before you message them. For current price limits, check the official NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.Finding assistive technology on Solotude
- Create a free account. It takes a couple of minutes and you don’t need your NDIS number. Create a free account
- Search for occupational therapists by your suburb, the days you need and the support you’re after.
- Read profiles and see exactly what Solotude has checked for each provider.
- Message providers directly. Your phone and email stay private until you choose to share them.
- Agree the support and the price in a service agreement between the two of you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an assessment to buy assistive technology?
Not always. Low cost, low risk items usually don’t need one. Mid cost items usually need written evidence from a professional, and high cost items need a full assessment and quote.Who can recommend assistive technology?
Qualified professionals like occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech pathologists, depending on the type of equipment.Does the NDIS pay for an AT assessment?
Usually, yes. The assessment is paid from your therapy funding, and the equipment from the Capital part of your plan.Related services
