Round up of gadgets that can make your life easier.

Gadgets and technology don’t just make your life easier but can be an important part of building independence if you have a disability.

“Assistive technology” is a term used for any item that helps you to do things more easily or do something that you can otherwise not do because of your disability.

Today, we take a look at what is available out there that may help you… as always, keeping in mind that if you want to spend from your NDIS budget they need to be related to your disability, help you achieve your goals and meet the NDIS criteria of “reasonable and necessary”!

1. Robot vacuum

A robot vacuum can clean floors without requiring any manual action. They can easily move between hard surfaces and rugs or carpet as well as avoid items that are on the floor including furniture.

These vacuums are available from electrical retailers from $300. Pictured is the Ecovac from JB HiFi.

 [Image description: A white round robot vacuum with a Deebot logo.]

2. Bottle openers

Cone-shaped option: Ideal for weak hands, these are made from rubber, with a fluted exterior for easier gripping.

 [Image description: A terracotta orange coloured rubber cone shaped device with lined grip areas.]

Available from Amazon or Active Mobility for around $30.

Avanti Jarkey: Pops the vacuum seal on jars quickly and easily, allowing you to open the lid with minimal effort.

$6.95 from Kitchen Warehouse

 
 [Image description: .A green rectangular device with a round opening at one end that has some protruding parts for popping vacuum seals on jars.]

Automatic jar opener: A one-touch automatic jar opener that does it all, including stabilising the jar while it opens the lid.

$45 from MobilityHQ

 

3. Smart watches

Apple Watch offers a range of useful accessibility features including a built-in screen reader and magnifier, settings to aid people with vision impairments and customisable sensor notifications. The fitness section allows wheelchair users to track pushes, speeds and terrains.

From $599 from Apple

Samsung Galaxy Watch has a built-in screen reader, customisable text to speech, text magnification options, vision adjustments, a vibration function and other features.

From $649 from Samsung

4. Can ring pull

The Brix J-Popper™ quickly and easily opens cans while reducing strain on your hands. There are no sharp edges or moving parts, making it suitable for children to use as well.

$37.40 from Amazon

 

[Image description: The Brix J-Popper™ is shown opening a ring pull can.  It is made of blue transparent plastic in a hook type shape.]

5. Self stabilising spoon

Stabilising spoons are an essential eating aid for people who experience tremors or who have difficulties with hand coordination. There are many different options available including a new electronic version. Talk to your AT provider or search online.

6. Doorknob grips

Doorknob grips make it easier to open round door handles. There’s a hole in the centre to access the lock or keyhole and they come with glow in the dark inserts for night visibility.

$34 for two from DisabilityShop

[Image description: A clear rubber door knob grip is shown attached to a gold tone door knob on a white door with a hand holding the grip.]

7. Button hook and zip puller

This nifty little gadget makes it easier to grasp buttons and pull zippers. It’s lightweight, easy to use and inexpensive.

$12.70 from GMobility

[Image description: A button hook and zip puller is shown on a white background. It is made of a round piece of timber with a black plastic knob and brass hook on one end to assist with zips and a black plastic cap on the other with a metal looped piece to help with buttons.]

8. Cordless kettle tipper

Designed to assist in pouring water from an electric jug with minimal risk of spilling boiling water. The wire frame allows the kettle to pivot when gentle pressure is applied. The kettle is secured by a Velcro strap.

$93 from Active Mobility

[Image description: A white plastic Kambrook branded kettle is in a white frame angling to pour into a white teacup with a saucer below it.]

9. Long handled hairbrush / comb

Makes it easier for people who have difficulty raising their arm above their head to brush or comb their hair.

$88 from ActiveMobility

 

 
[Image description: An orange vented hair brush with black bristles and a hinged navy blue plastic handle, next to an extension piece also made of navy plastic.]

10.  Hairdryer holder

Attach a dryer to the wall easily for hands-free drying and styling. The advanced suction technology holds up to 20kg.

$23.95 from Bunnings

[Image description: A silver hair dryer holder is shown on a white background. It is a cylindrical metal cage attached to a swiveling suction cap.]

11. Rechargeable surface cleaner

The Kogan Rechargeable SuperScrub 360 is designed to make cleaning easier and is ideal for people with limited mobility. An extendable handle allows you to reach low and high surfaces such as shower walls and door frames.

$39.99 from Kogan

 

 
[Image description: A white and blue plastic telescopic wand with a brush head at the end.]

12.  Big Buddy Button

A durable and reliable single switch that requires only the slightest touch of the large surface for activation. Ideal for people with moderate to severe upper extremity and motor disabilities, it can be activated using finger, arm or leg movements.

$120 from Mac and PC Doctors

[Image description: A large red plastic button on a black base with a black cord attached.]

Tip tops for buying low cost AT with your NDIS funds.

• You can only purchase the lowest price item that meets your needs

• Participants who are plan managed or who self manage can purchase from the provider of their choice, including online. Participants who are Agency managed must use an NDIS registered provider

• If you’re unsure of how much funding you need for AT, check out the Assistive Technology: Guide for low cost support funding on the NDIS website.

Got questions?

Get in touch with our specialist team! Call us on 1300 05 78 78, email crew@leapin.com.au or visit our updated website for live chat.

 

Further Reading

The latest inclusive products you’ll want to know about.

Assistive technology trends: What’s new and what’s coming?

NDIS budget areas explained: Consumables budget.