📱 NDIS and Smart Devices: Can You Get Funding?

Welcome to ISM's Knowledge Hub! 👋

Today, we’re looking at smart devices and tablets under the NDIS. While these devices can offer life-changing support for some participants, they are generally considered everyday items. So, when does the NDIS fund them? Let’s break it down!

No, the NDIS does not fund a tablet device as it is not considered an NDIS support. A tablet is a general living cost that most Australians have and use in daily life. Since it is not an extra cost due to disability support needs, the NDIS does not cover it.

However, in very specific situations, you may be able to request a tablet as a replacement support. A replacement support must:

• Directly serve your disability support needs.

• Replace an existing NDIS support in your plan.

• Be on the approved replacement support list.

• Be pre-approved in writing by the NDIS before you use your funding for it.

In rare cases, a tablet may be funded if it replaces another approved NDIS support that serves the same or better purpose.

For example, if you have complex communication needs and rely on a tablet with assistive communication apps as your primary means of communication, you may be able to request a tablet as a replacement support.

You must provide strong evidence from a professional, such as a speech therapist, to justify this request.

The NDIS follows strict laws that determine what can and cannot be funded.

• Tablets and computers are considered day-to-day living costs.

• Most Australians use them for daily life, making them not disability-specific supports.

• The NDIS only funds supports that are directly related to disability needs and are in-line with your approved plan.

No, unless it has been pre-approved as a replacement support. You cannot use your NDIS funding to buy a tablet unless:

1. It replaces an NDIS support that is already funded in your plan.

2. It is listed on the approved replacement support list.

3. NDIS has provided written approval before purchasing it.

If these conditions are not met, the cost of a tablet must be covered personally.

🔹 No, the NDIS does not fund tablets as they are considered day-to-day living costs.

🔹 A tablet may be funded only as a replacement support if it meets strict criteria.

🔹 You must have pre-approval from the NDIS before using funding for a tablet.

🔹 ISM can help you navigate funding requests and determine if a replacement support applies to you.

Need help with your NDIS plan? Reach out to ISM for expert support and assistance! 📞

For more information, go to NDIS';

• Our Guideline - Reasonable and necessary supports

• Our Guideline - Assistive Technology

• Our Guideline – Replacement supports list.