Assistive Technology (AT)/Aids
At Living to the Max Occupational Therapy, we understand the challenges faced by those with a disability. For many, those challenges are often associated with access to Assistive Technology (AT) to increase one’s independence. This is where we can help. We specialise in the prescription of a wide range of Assistive Technology (AT), including complex and/or highly customised equipment.
Experience. That’s our difference.
What is Assistive Technology?
When you need help with everyday tasks, you can use Assistive Technology to make it easier to do things and/or keep you (and others) safe.
Assistive technology is any device, system or design, that allows you to perform a task that you would otherwise be unable to do, or increase the ease and safety with which a task can be performed, or anything that assists you to carry- out daily activities. AT is also commonly referred to as assistive aids and equipment.
Assistive technology can include simple products such as those that assist you to open a jar or bottle, or turn a tap or open a door. Complex technologies can include specialised computers, powered wheelchairs, home automation and environmental control systems. They can also include environmental design and home modifications or a different technique or way of doing a task.
For NDIS participants, there are different levels of Assistive Technology. They are:
- Basic Assistive Technology – Level 1
- Standard Assistive Technology – Level 2
- Specialised Assistive Technology – Level 3
- Complex Assistive Technology – Level 4.
Commonly, Assistive Technology:
- Enhances participation and independence in daily activities including showering, dressing, washing, cooking, gardening and community access
- Enhances mobility through the use of walking aids, mobility scooters, shower chairs, toilet seat raisers, wheelchairs, electric lift recliner chairs, bed mobility items and electric beds
- Improves health and safety through environmental control systems, mobile or ceiling hoists and pressure relieving cushions and mattresses
As a result of working with disability clients for over 20 years, including those with the most complex of needs, we are uniquely placed by having the skills and expertise to assess for and prescribe Assistive Technology from level 1 through to level 4.
Details relating to Assistive Technology will be listed in the Capital budget of your NDIS plan.
Some further information about Assistive Technology
What is an Assistive Technology assessor?
An Assistive Technology assessor is someone who is able to consider your individual support needs and situation to identify appropriate equipment items to meet your support needs. They are usually an Occupational Therapist and identifying the most appropriate assessor will depend on your individual support needs and the Assistive Technology required.
With extensive experience in adult disability, including those with the most complex of needs, we’re here to help. To further assist our NDIS participants (although the information is applicable to all our clients), we have outlined below some key points in relation to each level of Assistive Technology.
Basic Assistive Technology – Level 1
These are low cost/low risk products from local retail suppliers and need no or very little assistance to set up and use. They might include items such as:
- Non-slip bathmat
- Large print labels
- Walking sticks
- Long handled shoe horn
- Tactile dots
A list of Basic (Level 1) AT items can be found in the NDIS fact sheets located under “AT assessments” by clicking here You do not need to provide the NDIA with AT Assessor assessments, reports and/or quotes before you buy Basic (Level 1) or Standard (Level 2) Assistive Technology.
If you need help to select, buy and set up or to use your Assistive Technology correctly, you will have funding in your NDIS plan which you can use to have an Occupational Therapist to assist you select, buy, set up or train you how to use Assistive Technology devices purchased with your NDIS funding. Should you require our assistance, we would be happy to help.
Standard Assistive Technology – Level 2
This is “off the shelf” Assistive Technology and can be easily accessed, tested, and trialled before you make your final choice. For example:
- Shower chair
- Hand rails
- Portable ramps
A list of Standard (Level 2) AT items can be found in the NDIS fact sheets located under “AT assessments” by clicking
here
You do not need to provide the NDIA with AT Assessor assessments, reports and/or quotes before you buy Basic (Level 1) or Standard (Level 2) Assistive Technology.
If you need help to select, buy and set up or to use your Assistive Technology correctly, you will have funding in your NDIS plan which you can use to have an Occupational Therapist to assist you select, buy, set up or train you how to use Assistive Technology devices purchased with your NDIS funding. Should you require our assistance, we would be happy to help.
You can generally buy these items from specialised Assistive Technology suppliers.
Specialised Assistive Technology – Level 3
Specialised (Level 3) Assistive Technology is generally adjusted to suit your individual support needs and requires linking with other Assistive Technology supports and/or your home/work/place of study. It is important to make sure the Assistive Technology is supplied and setup correctly to avoid any risk of injury. Examples include:
- power/power-assist wheelchairs
- pressure mattresses
- bed sticks/poles
- mobile or ceiling hoists
- bath lifts
- Orthotics and Prosthetics non-complex
- Standard Home Modifications (simple or non-structural)
Level 3 AT requires the assistance of an Occupational Therapist (AT assessor) to help you identify, source and safely use your Assistive Technology supports. You will have funding included in your NDIS plan under the Capacity Building budget which you can access to engage a suitably qualified Occupational Therapist to:
- trial the Assistive Technology to ensure it is a best fit for your individual support needs and it is used correctly and safely.
- recommend appropriate Assistive Technology for your individual support needs
- provide a recommendation report (including quotes) to be submitted to the NDIA
- assist you to select and buy your Assistive Technology once the funding has been approved
- set up and/or training in how to use the Assistive Technology equipment items.
You can generally buy these items from specialised Assistive Technology suppliers in your local area.
You can find further information about Assistive Technology on the NDIS website by clicking here
Complex Assistive Technology – Level 4
Complex (Level 4) Assistive Technology is custom made or ‘off the shelf’ but adjusted to suit your individual support needs and requires linking with other Assistive Technology supports and/or your home/work/place of study. For example:
- Environmental control systems
- Electronic mobility Assistive Technology
- High-level pressure cushions and pressure care sleep systems
- Orthotics and Prosthetics complex
- Communication devices complex
- Complex Home Modifications
As with Level 3, Level 4 AT requires the assistance of an Occupational Therapist (AT assessor) to help you identify, source and safely use your Assistive Technology supports. You will have funding included in your NDIS plan under the Capacity Building budget which you can access to engage a suitably qualified Occupational Therapist to:
- trial the Assistive Technology to ensure it is a best fit for your individual support needs and it is used correctly and safely.
- recommend appropriate Assistive Technology for your individual support needs
- provide a recommendation report (including quotes) to be submitted to the NDIA
- assist you to select and buy your Assistive Technology once the funding has been approved
- set up and/or training in how to use the Assistive Technology equipment items.
You can generally buy these items from specialised Assistive Technology suppliers in your local area. You can find further information about Assistive Technology on the NDIS website by clicking here
Our Services
Assistive Technology/Aids
Home Modifications
Supported Accommodation Assessments
We can determine your support & accommodation needs, including Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) needs.
Wheelchair seating & postural assessments
SA's leading expert in posture management & seating for those with complex disabilities & spinal injuries.
Manual person transfer assessments & plans
Pressure care management
We can help with the prevention & management of pressure ulcers.
Hospital Discharge Planning
Neurological Rehabilitation & Therapy
OHSW
We specialise in manual handling, carer training & disability access for businesses & commercial settings
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We can assess your ability to function from day to day & prepare a plan to maximise your independence.
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A full range of assessment & therapy services are available in-clinic. Hoist transfers available.
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