NDIS Assistive Technology Guide for Mobility

A wheelchair that suits your body, home and daily routine can change far more than how you get from A to B. It can affect comfort at work, confidence when going out, skin health, fatigue and the freedom to take part in everyday life. This NDIS assistive technology guide explains how mobility equipment may be funded, how to make informed choices, and what to consider before ordering.

What counts as assistive technology under the NDIS?

Assistive technology, often shortened to AT, is equipment that helps a person do everyday activities more safely, independently or comfortably. For wheelchair users, this can range from a replacement tyre or pressure care cushion through to a complex powered wheelchair with customised seating and controls.

The right option depends on the person and the task. A lightweight active wheelchair may suit someone who self-propels at work and in the community. A powered wheelchair may be more appropriate where strength, endurance or distance make manual propulsion difficult. Seating components, ramps, power assist units, gloves, bags and transfer aids can also be valuable parts of a complete mobility setup.

NDIS funding is not based on buying the newest product or the most feature-packed model. The equipment needs to relate to disability support needs and meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria. It should represent good value, be safe and effective, and be likely to help the participant pursue their goals.

Start with the daily problem, not the product

It is tempting to begin with a particular wheelchair or accessory. A better starting point is the problem you need equipment to solve. Consider where the chair will be used, how long you will sit in it, whether you need to lift it into a car, and who will maintain it.

For example, a chair used mainly indoors may need a compact turning circle and suitable castors for flooring. A chair used across footpaths, shopping centres and public transport may need durable wheels, reliable brakes and a configuration that manages longer distances. If fatigue is limiting how far you can self-propel, power assist may be worth assessing alongside a fully powered option.

Your living environment matters as well. Doorway widths, bathroom access, slopes, vehicle storage and the space needed to transfer all influence what will work. For children, it is also sensible to consider growth, school routines and how easily settings can be adjusted as needs change.

Comfort and pressure care are not optional extras

A cushion or back support can look like a simple add-on, but seating has a direct impact on posture, comfort and skin protection. The best cushion is not automatically the softest one. It needs to suit your posture, movement, weight distribution, time spent sitting and pressure injury risk.

Clinical advice is particularly valuable when there is reduced sensation, a history of pressure injuries, changes in muscle tone, pelvic asymmetry or complex positioning needs. Equipment may need to work together - the wheelchair frame, cushion, back, head support and footplates all affect the final seating position.

How assistive technology is assessed and funded

Your NDIS plan may include funding for assistive technology, or you may need a plan review or change in circumstances request before a larger purchase can proceed. Funding arrangements differ between participants, so check how your plan is managed and what supports are available before committing to equipment.

For straightforward, lower-cost items, a quote and clear explanation of need may be enough. More complex or higher-cost equipment usually requires a detailed assessment and supporting evidence from an appropriate allied health professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. They may assess your physical needs, environment, current equipment and goals, then recommend suitable options.

The NDIS may ask for evidence that compares alternatives. This is not simply a paperwork exercise. A recommendation should explain why a particular configuration is suitable, why lower-cost options do not meet the need, and what outcomes the equipment is expected to support.

Allow time for this process. Complex wheelchairs and customised seating may require assessment, quoting, approval, ordering, setup and follow-up adjustments. Rushing to purchase before the equipment has been properly assessed can lead to compatibility issues, poor fit or an item that does not meet funding requirements.

Choosing between manual, power assist and electric wheelchairs

There is no single best category. The practical choice comes down to how you move, where you go and the level of support your body needs.

A manual wheelchair can be a strong option for users who can self-propel or have a support person available. Active models are often designed for efficient propulsion and can be easier to manoeuvre, while standard wheelchairs may suit different clinical, transport or attendant-propelled needs. Frame weight, wheel position, seat height and folding or rigid design can all change how a chair performs.

Power assist sits between manual and electric mobility. It can reduce the effort needed to travel longer distances or manage slopes while retaining aspects of a manual wheelchair setup. It may suit people who want to preserve shoulder function or manage variable fatigue, though the extra weight, charging needs and transport arrangements need to be considered.

Electric wheelchairs can offer greater independence for people who cannot self-propel effectively or consistently. They can also be configured with specialised controls and seating functions. However, they require enough room at home, a charging routine, maintenance planning and careful consideration of transport. An assessment should look beyond speed and range to the places you actually need to access each week.

Do not overlook parts, repairs and consumables

Mobility equipment is not a one-off purchase. Tyres wear, tubes puncture, castors loosen, brakes need adjustment and cushions may eventually need replacement. Keeping equipment in safe working order protects both comfort and independence.

Before purchasing a wheelchair or accessory, identify the model, measurements and compatible parts. A tyre that looks right may have the wrong size or profile. A cushion cover, axle, fork or brake component may be specific to a particular chair. If you are unsure, take note of the wheelchair make, model, serial number where available, and measurements from the existing part.

It is useful to keep a small record of servicing, repairs and replacement dates. This can help spot recurring issues and make future orders easier. Basic checks of tyre pressure, brake function, loose fasteners and cushion condition can prevent minor problems from becoming bigger disruptions.

Questions to ask before accepting a quote

A clear quote should help you understand exactly what is being supplied. For a wheelchair, this includes the frame and seating configuration, not just a product name. Ask whether delivery, assembly, adjustments, training and follow-up support are included or quoted separately.

Also check the expected lead time, warranty arrangements and availability of replacement parts. For equipment used every day, access to tyres, tubes, cushions, batteries and repair support can be just as important as the initial purchase price.

Where an item is being funded through the NDIS, make sure the quote describes the equipment clearly enough for your plan manager, support coordinator or funding contact to process it. If your needs are complex, your clinician's recommendation and the supplier quote should align on the key configuration details.

Getting support with the right equipment

You do not need to know every specification before asking for help. Start with what is not working in your current setup: pain after sitting, difficulty getting through a doorway, frequent punctures, trouble propelling up slopes, or a cushion that no longer provides enough support. These details help narrow down suitable equipment and identify when clinical assessment is needed.

Wheelability can assist with product quotes, wheelchair parts, consumables and mobility accessories, while more complex equipment decisions should be made with appropriate clinical input. Taking the time to match equipment to real life can reduce avoidable changes later and help you get more from your NDIS-funded supports.

The most useful mobility equipment is the equipment you can rely on every day - fitted to you, suited to your routine and supported with the parts and advice needed to keep moving.