I wish I had known more about Assistive Technology (AT) when I first moved into Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA). There were no guidelines back in 2020 on how to use AT in your daily life – you were just expected to figure it out on your own.

Some examples of how I use AT everyday include: 

  • Getting comfortable in my power wheelchair using the tilt and raise functions
  • Letting visitors into my apartment with automatic doors
  • Turning my lights on/off using my phone
  • Opening/closing my blinds using my phone.

The Housing Hub has published a guide that explains what AT is and the different types, what makes AT different from other home modifications and home adaptations, and how to apply for funding to get AT in an NDIS plan.

Jamie-Lee adjusts the Assistive Technology (AT) she uses as her needs change.

When I moved into my own apartment, I was given an iPad to open my front door and operate my blinds and lights. This was difficult to use because of my poor hand-eye coordination. I explained this to the AT specialist and they were able to download the app on my iPhone.I was able to use my phone whenever I needed, and it heightened my feeling of independence. 

There weren’t any guidelines for me to follow when it came to AT, and no solutions provided by my landlord or housing provider. It was up to me to keep asking for an option that would be suitable for my needs.

My needs are constantly changing because of my neurodegenerative condition which means I use AT that can adapt alongside me. Finding Assistive Technology that is accessible, affordable and easy to use isn’t hard when you have the right allied health professionals helping you.

I grew up an avid reader and now I find it hard to focus my eyes, which is why I listen to audiobooks and use the ‘Read Aloud’ function. I also find it easier to write on my laptop with a second monitor to help me focus my eyes.

Before I started using my support workers to scribe for me, I was using Dragon speech software for dictation. This was before my speech became too slurred for the software to comprehend. It worked for me for a long time though, and it was a great piece of Assistive Technology for me to use at the time.  

I have a lot of back pain as part of my disability, but I’m able to manage it fairly easily when using the tilt and raise functions on my power wheelchair. I’ve also found the raise function to be really handy, especially at concerts or certain festivals.

Both my power wheelchair and my manual wheelchair have features that give more stability, as well as making me more comfortable. Some examples include lateral plates that can come out when transferring, ankle huggers that stop my feet from moving when they spasm, and hip pads that align my posture.

My bedroom also has various ATs to improve my daily life. I use an electric hi-lo bed that performs different functions at the press of a button. Also, touch lamps help me to light up my room when I require assistance.

I transfer with a ceiling hoist to bed, and also to my standing frame. The ceiling hoist makes it safer for all parties involved, and is a versatile piece of equipment with the use of different slings.

The snake clamp cup holder (pictured) simplifies my morning routine by providing a hands-free coffee experience. I can even transport the snake clamp with me on my manual wheelchair when I go out for breakfast.

I find it hard to produce clarity of speech with my disability, and one thing that I’ve always wanted to pursue has been stand-up comedy. My sister and I started a stand-up duo, and I’m able to chime in every now and then using Text-To-Speech software on my iPhone. I get most of the laughs whenever I use my phone, which kills my sister inside.

AT has improved my quality of life in many different ways, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. The Assistive Technology guide on the Housing Hub is something I think people with a disability will find extremely useful, and they might even get some ideas about what could work for them.

If you are an NDIS participant or you support someone on the NDIS, you may ask: ‘What is Assistive Technology (AT)?’, ‘How do I access AT?’ and ‘Who pays for it?’.

AT includes a wide range of tools and devices that assist people with disability to achieve their goals in everyday life safely and live more independently.

This guide will explain what Assistive Technology is, the different types of AT, what makes AT different from other home modifications and home adaptations, and how to apply for NDIS funding to get AT in an NDIS plan.

View the Guide Here

Image of "Assistive Technology (AT) and how to get it for your home" guide cover

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Questions about NDIS Housing?

Call our NDIS Housing Advice line

1300 61 64 63 

For NDIS participants, their families, and supporters. Monday – Friday 10.00am – 3.00pm AEST. You can also email us anytime at housingoptions@housinghub.org.au

I wish I had known more about Assistive Technology (AT) when I first moved into Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA). There were no guidelines back in 2020 on how to use AT in your daily life – you were just expected to figure it out on your own.

Some examples of how I use AT everyday include: 

  • Getting comfortable in my power wheelchair using the tilt and raise functions
  • Letting visitors into my apartment with automatic doors
  • Turning my lights on/off using my phone
  • Opening/closing my blinds using my phone.

The Housing Hub has published a guide that explains what AT is and the different types, what makes AT different from other home modifications and home adaptations, and how to apply for funding to get AT in an NDIS plan.

Jamie-Lee adjusts the Assistive Technology (AT) she uses as her needs change.

When I moved into my own apartment, I was given an iPad to open my front door and operate my blinds and lights. This was difficult to use because of my poor hand-eye coordination. I explained this to the AT specialist and they were able to download the app on my iPhone.I was able to use my phone whenever I needed, and it heightened my feeling of independence. 

There weren’t any guidelines for me to follow when it came to AT, and no solutions provided by my landlord or housing provider. It was up to me to keep asking for an option that would be suitable for my needs.

My needs are constantly changing because of my neurodegenerative condition which means I use AT that can adapt alongside me. Finding Assistive Technology that is accessible, affordable and easy to use isn’t hard when you have the right allied health professionals helping you.

I grew up an avid reader and now I find it hard to focus my eyes, which is why I listen to audiobooks and use the ‘Read Aloud’ function. I also find it easier to write on my laptop with a second monitor to help me focus my eyes.

Before I started using my support workers to scribe for me, I was using Dragon speech software for dictation. This was before my speech became too slurred for the software to comprehend. It worked for me for a long time though, and it was a great piece of Assistive Technology for me to use at the time.  

I have a lot of back pain as part of my disability, but I’m able to manage it fairly easily when using the tilt and raise functions on my power wheelchair. I’ve also found the raise function to be really handy, especially at concerts or certain festivals.

Both my power wheelchair and my manual wheelchair have features that give more stability, as well as making me more comfortable. Some examples include lateral plates that can come out when transferring, ankle huggers that stop my feet from moving when they spasm, and hip pads that align my posture.

My bedroom also has various ATs to improve my daily life. I use an electric hi-lo bed that performs different functions at the press of a button. Also, touch lamps help me to light up my room when I require assistance.

I transfer with a ceiling hoist to bed, and also to my standing frame. The ceiling hoist makes it safer for all parties involved, and is a versatile piece of equipment with the use of different slings.

The snake clamp cup holder (pictured) simplifies my morning routine by providing a hands-free coffee experience. I can even transport the snake clamp with me on my manual wheelchair when I go out for breakfast.

I find it hard to produce clarity of speech with my disability, and one thing that I’ve always wanted to pursue has been stand-up comedy. My sister and I started a stand-up duo, and I’m able to chime in every now and then using Text-To-Speech software on my iPhone. I get most of the laughs whenever I use my phone, which kills my sister inside.

AT has improved my quality of life in many different ways, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. The Assistive Technology guide on the Housing Hub is something I think people with a disability will find extremely useful, and they might even get some ideas about what could work for them.

If you are an NDIS participant or you support someone on the NDIS, you may ask: ‘What is Assistive Technology (AT)?’, ‘How do I access AT?’ and ‘Who pays for it?’.

AT includes a wide range of tools and devices that assist people with disability to achieve their goals in everyday life safely and live more independently.

This guide will explain what Assistive Technology is, the different types of AT, what makes AT different from other home modifications and home adaptations, and how to apply for NDIS funding to get AT in an NDIS plan.

View the Guide Here

Image of "Assistive Technology (AT) and how to get it for your home" guide cover

Was this article helpful?

Questions about NDIS Housing?

Call our NDIS Housing Advice line

1300 61 64 63 

For NDIS participants, their families, and supporters. Monday – Friday 10.00am – 3.00pm AEST. You can also email us anytime at housingoptions@housinghub.org.au