NDIS supports can cover the purchase and use of assistive devices for communication and other purposes, as long as they meet reasonable and necessary criteria. You can find the operational guidelines in an official NDIS page.
For example the assistive technology or device should relate to your disability. The assistive technology should help you perform a task easier and safer. This can also mean you will become more independent and rely less on other people to carry out your everyday tasks.
NDIS helps people do more and communicate better
One of the chief aims of NDIS is to help people with disability to become safer, more independent and more capable. This way, they can still pursue and achieve their personal and career goals. The side benefit of this is that this helps make the national and local economy more vibrant and productive because more people are able to participate in the workforce and voluntary projects (the entire society benefits as a whole).
In line with that aim, NDIS supports can cover assistive technologies on communication such as hearing aids and even complex communication devices. Although the support and funding can be limited (less expensive and long-term options are preferable), this can still significantly help people with a communication disability or disorder to become more productive and independent.
For example, in workplaces it’s often a necessity for people to hear and talk clearly so that they can carry out their tasks with precision and accuracy. Also, when giving instructions or asking for household assistance, it’s often essential for people to be able to hear and listen with clarity. Assistive communication devices can help achieve all that or make the entire experience a bit easier and smoother.
About the costs and available NDIS supports
Assistive devices for communication disorders and other disabilities have low, mid and high costs. Those with high costs are often specialised tools and equipment that require technical advice and detailed assessment (such as from an audiologist). As long as it’s necessary and falls into reasonable criteria, you can get the funds you need to purchase, use or loan the assistive device (e.g. even if it’s expensive such as a $16,000 specialised communication device and there are no other viable alternatives).
