Mobility aids: Where do they fit under the Capital supports budget?

Today, we’ll have a closer look at mobility aids, what can be funded by the NDIS and how you can receive funding for these aids.

What is a mobility aid?

Mobility aids are designed to make life easier. They help you to move more safely and faster compared with not using aids.

Some examples of mobility aids are:

• Electric scooters
• Walking aids
• Slings, belts or slides for transfers into cars or wheelchairs.

Mobility aids come under personal mobility equipment in your Capital supports budget for assistive technology (AT).

You can read more about What is assistive technology.

What is funded?

If moving independently is impossible or difficult and the mobility aid you want is considered “reasonable and necessary” for your disability, then the NDIS may approve funding.

There are several options for obtaining mobility aids including:

• Buying outright so you own the aid
• Lease or rental. This may include new or refurbished and reissued mobility aids.

We recommend investigating the various options and talking to several providers to find the right aid that meets your needs and budget.

Examples of mobility aids covered by assistive technology include:

• Prosthesis
• Walking supports, equipment rental, frames or walkers
• Rollator and wheeled walkers
• Walking tables
• Wheelchairs and accessories
• Scooters
• Specialised strollers, pram buggies and push chairs
• Transfer equipment and hoists
• Seating and postural support.

How can I get funding for a mobility aid?

All NDIS funding relates to the goals you have set in your NDIS Plan, so it is important that any requests for mobility aids are connected to these.

For example, if your goal is to get around more on your own and do your own shopping but your disability prevents you from being able to walk in a public place without a walking support or frame, the NDIS may provide funding for the purchase of a walking support or frame to help you meet your goal.

For more complex assistive technology, sufficient evidence will need to be provided to enable the NDIA to decide on whether you are eligible for funding and to ensure you obtain the right supports for you.

For example, requests for hoists and wheelchairs generally need to be supported with an “AT assessment” by a competent professional such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. The NDIS can include funding under the Improved Daily Living Skills budget to cover the cost of an AT assessment.

Find out more information about AT assessments on the NDIS Providing assistive technology webpage.

It is important to keep the following in mind if you are requesting funding for assistive technology:

• Funds within the Capital supports budget can only be used for the specific purpose identified in your NDIS Plan
• Many assistive technology items require a quote to be obtained in advance
• Any customisation to a piece of assisted technology that is not considered reasonable and necessary is not covered. This includes aesthetic improvements or anything that is outside of what you really need.

For answers to other commonly asked questions about assistive technology take a look at our earlier blog post FAQs: The NDIS and assistive technology.

Leap in! can help.

Leap in! can help you prepare for your first NDIS Plan meeting or Plan Review meeting to ensure you have the very best chance of getting the help you need.

Call us on 1300 05 78 78 to book your free NDIS Pre-planning session, email crew@leapin.com.au or sign up to Leap in! plan management today.