An Intro to Assistive Technology Starter Guide

For many NDIS participants, assistive technology can make everyday life safer, easier, and more independent. From simple daily living tools to advanced mobility and communication devices, the right support can significantly improve quality of life at home, school, work, and within the community.

At U&A Homecare, our Occupational Therapy support services in Perth help NDIS participants identify, trial, and access assistive technology tailored to their unique goals and daily needs. Whether someone needs help with mobility, sensory regulation, communication, personal care, or home accessibility, our OT team works closely with participants and families to build practical solutions that encourage independence and confidence.

If you are new to assistive technology under the NDIS, this starter guide will help you understand how it works and how Occupational Therapy can support the process.

What Is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) refers to equipment, devices, or systems designed to help individuals perform tasks that may otherwise be difficult due to disability, injury, developmental delay, or mobility challenges.

Under the NDIS, assistive technology can support participants across many areas of life, including:

• Personal care and hygiene
• Mobility and transfers
• Communication
• Learning and education
• Emotional regulation
• Sensory processing
• Daily routines
• Community participation
• Home safety and accessibility

Assistive technology can range from simple tools to more complex equipment depending on the participant’s needs and goals.

Examples of Assistive Technology

There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to assistive technology. Occupational Therapists assess each participant individually to recommend supports that align with their abilities, routines, and long-term goals.

Common examples include:

Mobility Supports

• Walkers and wheelchairs
• Transfer aids
• Shower chairs
• Mobility scooters
• Adjustable seating systems

Daily Living Aids

• Adaptive cutlery
• Dressing aids
• Non-slip kitchen tools
• Medication reminders
• Bathing supports

Sensory Supports

• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Weighted blankets
• Sensory tools and fidgets
• Compression garments
• Sensory-friendly seating

Communication Supports

• Communication boards
• Speech-generating devices
• Tablet-based communication apps
• Visual schedules

Home Modifications

• Handrails and ramps
• Bathroom modifications
• Accessible furniture
• Lighting adjustments
• Safety monitoring devices

The right assistive technology can help participants become more independent while reducing stress for families and carers.

How Occupational Therapy Helps with Assistive Technology

Occupational Therapists play an important role in helping NDIS participants access suitable assistive technology. The process involves more than simply choosing equipment — it requires professional assessment, functional understanding, and ongoing support.

At U&A Homecare, our Occupational Therapy team in Perth takes a participant-centred approach to ensure every recommendation is practical, safe, and aligned with real-life goals.

Functional Assessments

Our Occupational Therapists assess how participants manage daily tasks, routines, mobility, communication, and sensory needs. This helps identify areas where assistive technology may improve independence or safety.

Goal-Based Recommendations

Assistive technology recommendations are linked to NDIS goals and participant outcomes. Examples may include:

• Improving independence at home
• Increasing community access
• Enhancing school participation
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Building self-care skills

Trials and Equipment Matching

Not every device works for every participant. Occupational Therapists can help trial equipment to determine comfort, usability, and suitability before recommendations are finalised.

NDIS Reports and Documentation

For many assistive technology supports, participants may require supporting documentation or assessments for NDIS funding approval. Our OT team can assist with:

• Functional capacity reports
• Assistive technology assessments
• Recommendation letters
• Supporting evidence for funding applications

Training and Ongoing Support

Introducing new equipment takes time and adjustment. Occupational Therapists can provide guidance and training to participants, carers, and families to ensure equipment is used safely and effectively.

Benefits of Assistive Technology for NDIS Participants

The right assistive technology can create meaningful improvements in everyday life. Benefits may include:

Greater Independence

Participants can complete tasks more confidently with less reliance on others.

Improved Safety

Home modifications and mobility aids may reduce the risk of falls or injuries.

Better Emotional Regulation

Sensory supports can help participants feel calmer, more comfortable, and more focused.

Increased Community Participation

Mobility and communication supports may make it easier to engage socially, attend appointments, or participate in activities.

Reduced Carer Stress

Assistive tools can make routines more manageable for families and support networks.

Enhanced Quality of Life

When participants can engage more comfortably in daily life, overall wellbeing often improves.

Who Can Benefit from Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology can support participants of all ages and abilities, including individuals living with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• ADHD
• Intellectual disability
• Physical disabilities
• Neurological conditions
• Sensory processing challenges
• Developmental delays
• Mobility limitations

Occupational Therapy support services can help determine what types of technology may be most beneficial based on each participant’s environment and goals.

Why Families in Perth Choose U&A Homecare

At U&A Homecare, we understand that every participant has unique strengths, challenges, and goals. Our Occupational Therapy services focus on practical, participant-led strategies that support independence, confidence, and meaningful daily living.

We proudly support NDIS participants across Perth through:

• Occupational Therapy assessments
• Assistive technology recommendations
• Functional capacity assessments
• In-home support
• Sensory support strategies
• Daily living skill development
• Community participation support

Our team works collaboratively with participants, families, carers, and support coordinators to create tailored support plans that genuinely make everyday life easier.

Refer Participants in Perth Today

If you are looking for Occupational Therapy support services in Perth for assistive technology assessments, daily living support, or NDIS-focused care, the team at U&A Homecare is here to help.

We welcome referrals from:

• Support coordinators
• Plan managers
• Families and carers
• Allied health professionals
• Schools and community organisations

Whether a participant needs sensory supports, mobility equipment guidance, or help building independence at home, our Occupational Therapy team can provide personalised support tailored to their goals.

Contact U&A Homecare today to refer an NDIS participant in Perth and learn how our Occupational Therapy services can support greater independence and everyday wellbeing.