This guide has been updated on 18/02/2025 to reflect new information provided to Assistive Tech by the NDIS regarding inclusion of Tablets, Apps and Smart Watches on the Replacement Supports List from 03/10/2024.

The NDIS has confirmed in writing that a Replacement Supports Approval or inclusion of the device in the plan is required for all tablet purchases and that these can no longer be claimed under the Low Cost AT - Support Capacity Building Item Code.

The NDIA regularly publishes updates to their information You can review upcoming changes as a result of this legislation at https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10305-changes-ndis-legislation

At Assistive Tech as a registered NDIS provider we can assist you with supply of iPads and other low cost assistive technologies for all your participants right across Australia regardless of whether they’re self-managed, plan managed or agency managed.

The information that the NDIS publish regarding Low Cost AT changes regularly, most recently this was updated to align with new information released by the NDIS on their "List of Supports" on 02/10/2024

iPad purchases for your clients will typically fall in to two categories:

Category 1 – Connecting with Supports / Telehealth

(Item Number 15_222400911_0124_1_3)

This category was withdrawn from claiming on 02/10/2024. The NDIS confirmed this change in writing to Assistive Tech on 18/02/2025.

Category 2 – Low Cost Assistive Technology (Communication and Information Equipment)

(A variety of NDIS Item Codes may apply to this purchase.)

The NDIS published guidance on the evidence you need for tablets and computer based assistive technology in their Operational Guidelines on 10 February 2022 and have included these items on their Replacement Supports List as of 03 October 2024. This means NDIS specifically needs to approve these items in your plan prior to purchase.

Using Existing Funding

As of 03/10/2024, this equipment is considered a Replacement Support and requires approval from the NDIS prior to purchase. Please refer to the section below on requesting approval.

Requesting Approval

Where a participant does have budget or funding for the Tablet and AAC apps they require, you can request approval from the NDIS through the Replacement Support process.

The NDIS will need:

Application for Replacement Support Form

Draft Service Agreement with tablet and apps (Optional)

Advice / Recommendation from the Speech Pathologist (Optional)

Under the Participant Service Guarantee rule - the request must be considered and decided by the NDIS within their published timeframes - typically 28 days.

Requesting Funding from NDIS at a Plan Review

If you're preparing for your participant's plan review and you have recommended a tablet and AAC apps the NDIS planner will need appropriate documentation and evidence for consideration of inclusion of the tablet and applications in the plan.

The NDIS will need:

A draft Service Agreement with tablet and apps

Your advice and recommendations relating to the equipment required.

Frequently Asked Questions

We spend a lot of our time here providing clarity on the NDIS policies, guidance and current processes for Assistive Technology. We've included below a summary of our most regularly asked questions

1. Can I please get a quote?

At Assistive Tech we don't issue quotes. The easiest way to get the documentary evidence you need for an NDIS purchase is to create and download a draft service agreement from our EasyAs Support Coordinator Portal.

2. Person "X" told me you can't buy an iPad with NDIS funds

The NDIS will always fund reasonable and necessary supports within their guidelines. The NDIS have specifically included these items on their Replacement Supports List. We're a specialist in this space and can confirm these items can be purchased as a support as long as you have NDIS Approval.

3. Can participants order a device with mobile internet / cellular service?

The NDIS guidelines are specific on this issue. The participant must fund any difference between the lowest cost available model and the cellular model. We can assist with this process - typically a cellular model requires a participant funded contribution of approximately $200 (though this varies from model to model). Please get in touch with our customer service team on 1300 088 222 for assistance.

4. I need an invoice for a plan manager. what do I do next?

Please use the EasyAs Support Coordinator Portal to order the device your participant requires. As part of this ordering process you will be asked to supply the plan managers details. At Assistive Tech we always issue invoices directly to Plan Managers.

We're happy to send you a copy on request but please do not forward our invoices on to the plan manager as this often causes delays and rework. 

5. Why do you require a copy of the NDIS Approval for agency managed orders?

As a registered NDIS provider we have a responsibility to ensure the orders we process meet NDIS eligibility requirements. We require evidence to demonstrate you have met the NDIS Approval requirements to ensure we are not processing orders that don't meet NDIS criteria.

6. Why don't you ask for the NDIS Approval for self-managed orders or plan-managed orders?

In these circumstances it is the responsibility of the participant to ensure they are only procuring approved devices. Their plan manager will need evidence of approval before remitting payment for your order.

7. How long will it take to ship once I place an order for my participant?

At Assistive Tech we're one of the only providers nationally that keeps our products in stock for immediate dispatch. Once we have confirmation of payment the goods will ship within 1 business day.

8. I have other questions

If you have other questions or require assistance please get in touch with our friendly team via phone on 1300 088 222.