Assistive technology and disability equipment: practical guides

Assistive technology and disability equipment can help with everyday tasks, communication and getting around. Digital accessibility features can also open up practical options. An item might be simple or complex; the useful question is what it helps you do in your own circumstances and where you will use it.

This section brings together articles about equipment, assistive technology and personal digital access. You will find experiences of choosing supports, explanations of accessibility features and questions to consider before buying. The collection looks at the relationship between a product, its user and the environment where it will be used.

Start with the task rather than a particular brand. Where will you use the item? Who will help you set it up? Can you trial it, and what training or maintenance might be needed? Ask how it will work alongside equipment or support you already use. A device that looks useful in a demonstration may need adjustments to suit your day.

Families and carers can help gather information, but the person using the technology needs a clear voice in the decision. For therapists and support workers, practical observations can help identify barriers and describe what a successful option would need to achieve.

The NDIA has specific guidance for assistive technology, including funding considerations and the advice that may be needed. A standard phone, app or household item is not automatically an eligible NDIS purchase because it has an accessibility feature. Confirm the requirements before spending plan funding.

Technology changes, so check the date of articles about software, products or operating systems. Availability, settings and compatibility may have moved on since publication.

Browse these guides to find questions for a supplier or adviser and ideas to investigate. The aim is to choose something you can use confidently, with the support needed to keep it useful over time.