For Participants & Families
Can NDIS Fund IT Support? What Participants Can Actually Claim
A plain-English guide for NDIS participants and their families — with 6 real-life scenarios to help you understand whether YOUR situation qualifies. No jargon, no runaround.
👤 NDIS participants
👨👩👧 Families & carers
🤝 Support Coordinators
📅 Updated April 2026
⏱ 8 min read
📋 Free “What Can I Claim?” guide at the end
You’ve probably wondered this at some point — maybe when your phone broke, or your laptop stopped working, or you just needed someone to sit down and show you how to use Zoom to call your family. And you thought: could the NDIS pay for this?
It’s one of the most common questions we hear. And the honest answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no — and it depends on your specific situation, not a fixed list of approved items.
This guide is different from most NDIS tech articles. Instead of just explaining the rules, we walk through 6 real scenarios — different situations, different disabilities, different technology needs — so you can see where your situation fits. At the end, we also give you the exact words to use when talking to your Support Coordinator.
The one question that determines everything
“Would I need this technology specifically because of my disability?”
If the answer is yes — and it connects to a goal in your NDIS plan — there’s a real chance it can be funded. If it’s something most people buy for everyday life regardless of disability, the NDIS generally won’t pay for it. The NDIS calls this the “reasonable and necessary” test, and it applies to everything.
6 real scenarios — find yours
These scenarios are based on real situations we encounter working with NDIS participants across Melbourne. They’re not official rulings — every NDIS plan is individual — but they’ll give you a much clearer picture of what’s likely to be funded and why.
1
“I have cerebral palsy and can’t use a standard keyboard or mouse”
Physical disability — adaptive technology setup
✓ Very likely fundable
The situation: Maya has cerebral palsy affecting her upper limbs. She wants to use a computer for work and staying in touch with friends, but a standard keyboard and mouse are too difficult. She needs a switch access setup, eye-gaze technology, or voice control configured on her computer.
What the NDIS would likely fund: The equipment itself (switch, eye-gaze device, or specialised input device) under Capital — Assistive Technology. The setup and training to use it under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. An OT assessment to determine the right solution may also be funded.
Why it qualifies: The technology is needed specifically because of the disability, directly linked to a goal (independence, community participation, possible employment), and couldn’t be replaced by standard consumer tech.
2
“I have low vision and need a screen reader or magnification set up”
Vision impairment — accessibility setup and training
✓ Very likely fundable
The situation: Robert has low vision from a degenerative condition. He has a computer and phone but hasn’t been able to configure the screen reader, voice-over features, or text magnification properly. He also wants to learn how to use the accessibility features that are already built in to his devices.
What the NDIS would likely fund: Setting up and optimising screen readers (like VoiceOver or NVDA), configuring display settings, and one-on-one training to use these features — all under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (AT Mentoring, line item 15_300_0103_1_3). Specialised magnification software (like ZoomText) could be funded as AT under Capital if standard built-in tools aren’t sufficient.
Why it qualifies: Built-in accessibility features need to be configured correctly to be useful — the training and setup are directly disability-related. Many participants have these tools on their devices but have never had them set up properly.
3
“My child uses an iPad for AAC communication — it keeps breaking and needs reconfiguring”
Communication device — AT maintenance and repair
✓ Very likely fundable
The situation: Lena is 9 years old and non-verbal. She uses an iPad with Proloquo2Go (an AAC app) as her primary way of communicating. The iPad recently had a software update that broke several of her custom communication boards, and she needs someone to reconfigure the app and restore her settings.
What the NDIS would likely fund: Reconfiguring an approved AT device (the iPad used as a communication device) is funded under Category 19 — AT Maintenance, Repair and Rental. The original iPad itself may have been funded under Capital — Assistive Technology (Category 5, Communication and Information Equipment) if it was approved in her plan.
Why it qualifies: When a device is a participant’s primary communication tool — approved in their plan — maintaining it is as essential as maintaining a wheelchair. Category 19 (AT Maintenance) exists specifically for this.
4
“I had a stroke and I’m relearning how to use my phone and computer”
Acquired brain injury — digital literacy coaching for independence
✓ Likely fundable
The situation: Graham had a stroke 18 months ago and is recovering well, but technology he used to manage easily — online banking, emails, video calls with his grandchildren — now feels confusing and frustrating. His NDIS plan includes a goal around building confidence and independence at home.
What the NDIS would likely fund: One-on-one digital literacy coaching — learning to use email, video calls, online services — under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. The key is that these skills directly support his independence goal in the NDIS plan. Sessions need to be framed as building a specific skill, not “general tech help.”
Why it qualifies: The stroke directly caused the difficulty with technology. Relearning these skills isn’t general education — it’s rebuilding functional capacity lost due to disability. This connects strongly to independence and community participation goals.
5
“I have MS and want smart home technology so I can control things without needing a support worker”
Progressive condition — smart home AT for independence
~ Likely fundable with evidence
The situation: Diane has progressive MS that affects her mobility and fine motor control on bad days. She wants to set up smart lighting, voice-controlled devices, and motorised blinds in her home so she can manage her environment without needing to ask a support worker for help with every small task.
What the NDIS would likely fund: Smart home technology that directly replaces the need for support or addresses a functional limitation can be funded as Assistive Technology. Motorised blinds (which replace the need for someone to assist with a cord she can’t reach) have a strong case. Voice-controlled devices (like Amazon Echo) may be fundable if recommended by an OT and connected to independence goals. An OT’s recommendation is essential here — it transforms a “nice to have” into an evidence-based support.
The key step: See an Occupational Therapist before purchasing anything. An OT assessment identifying which smart home features directly address Diane’s functional limitations will make the difference between approval and rejection. Fixable works alongside OTs to implement their recommendations.
6
“My computer is just slow and I want someone to fix it”
General tech help — not necessarily linked to disability
✕ Generally not fundable
The situation: Tom has an NDIS plan but his main request is that his laptop is running slowly and he wants someone to clean it up. This is something that happens to everyone’s computer regardless of disability.
What the NDIS would fund here: General computer maintenance that any household might need is not an NDIS support — it’s a general life expense. NDIS specifically excludes supports that are not “related to your disability.”
However — there’s a grey area: If Tom’s disability (for example, a cognitive impairment) means he is unable to manage his computer and relies on it to access essential services or communication, then there could be a case. The framing matters enormously. “Fix my slow computer” isn’t fundable. “Set up and maintain the communication tools I rely on because of my cognitive disability” — with the right plan goals — may be.
The 3 ways NDIS funds tech support — in plain English
📚
1. Learning & training
One-on-one sessions teaching you to use your devices, apps, accessibility features, or communication tools.
Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living
🛒
2. Buying assistive tech
Purchasing devices or software that help you do things specifically because of your disability — communication devices, accessible keyboards, screen readers, smart home systems.
Capital — Assistive Technology (Cat. 05)
🔧
3. Maintaining & repairing
Keeping approved AT devices working — repairs, software updates, reconfiguration after updates break things.
AT Maintenance, Repair & Rental (Cat. 19)
⚠️ 2025 rule change you need to know
From November 2025, everyday consumer devices like tablets, iPads, and smartphones can no longer be purchased off the shelf using NDIS funding without either being listed as a stated support in your plan, or having a Replacement Supports Approval Letter. If you’re thinking of using your NDIS plan to buy a new device, talk to your Support Coordinator before purchasing — not after.
What to say to your Support Coordinator
The way you describe a technology need to your Support Coordinator can make a huge difference. Here are the exact phrases that connect tech support to NDIS fundable goals — and the ones that don’t.
✕ Phrases less likely to be funded
- “My computer is slow and needs fixing”
- “I want someone to help me with technology”
- “Can I get a new iPad?”
- “I need general tech support”
✓ Phrases that connect to goals
- “I need training to use video calling to stay connected with family — this supports my community participation goal”
- “My disability means I can’t use a standard keyboard — I need adaptive technology set up and training to use a computer independently”
- “My approved communication device needs to be reconfigured after a software update broke my AAC boards”
- “I need my screen reader and accessibility settings configured — this supports my goal to access online services independently”
The pattern is clear: connect the technology to a disability-related limitation, and connect the support to a goal already in your plan. The more specific you are, the stronger the case.
3 questions to ask your Support Coordinator at your next meeting
- “Does my current plan have any Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living funding that could cover technology training?”
- “Could we add a technology goal to my next plan — something around building skills to use [specific app/device] to [specific outcome]?”
- “If I need a device set up that directly relates to my disability, which budget would that come from, and what evidence do I need?”
Frequently asked questions
Does my NDIS plan have to specifically mention “technology” for tech support to be funded?
Not necessarily. Technology support is often funded under broader goals like “increase independence at home,” “improve community participation,” or “build daily living skills.” If the tech support clearly helps you achieve a goal that’s already in your plan, there’s a reasonable case even if technology isn’t specifically mentioned. Talk to your Support Coordinator about how to make the connection explicit.
I’m plan-managed. Can I use any provider for tech support?
Yes — if you’re plan-managed or self-managed, you can use any provider with a valid ABN. They don’t need to be NDIS-registered. Fixable has a valid ABN, provides service agreements and receipts in the format plan managers need, and holds NDIS Worker Screening clearance. If you’re NDIA-managed (agency-managed), you would need a registered provider.
How much does tech support cost under NDIS?
If claimed under AT Mentoring (line item 15_300_0103_1_3) or Other Professional (15_056_0128_1_3), the NDIS price cap is $193.99/hr for registered providers. For unregistered providers (like Fixable) working with plan-managed or self-managed participants, rates are negotiated directly. Fixable’s standard in-home rate is $89/hr, which represents genuine value compared to the price cap.
My child with autism uses an iPad for communication. Can NDIS fund it?
Possibly — but the 2025 rules changed things significantly. Standard iPads are now on the Replacement Supports List, meaning they need to be either a stated support in your child’s plan or approved via a Replacement Supports Approval Letter. However, if the iPad is being used as an AAC communication device recommended by a Speech Pathologist, there’s a stronger case under Capital — Assistive Technology. Work with your child’s Speech Pathologist and Support Coordinator together on this — the SP’s recommendation is critical evidence.
Can Fixable help me figure out if my situation qualifies before I contact my Support Coordinator?
Yes — we offer a free callback service where we can talk through your situation and help you understand whether and how NDIS might fund the support you need. We’re not plan managers or Support Coordinators, but we know the technology side well and can help you frame the request correctly. Call
0435 955 429 or request a callback at fixable.au — no pressure, no obligation.
Not sure if your situation qualifies?
Call us for a free chat. We’ll listen to your situation, tell you honestly whether NDIS is likely to fund it, and help you figure out the best next step. No jargon, no obligation. NDIS Worker Screening cleared. All Melbourne suburbs.
📋
Free “What Can I Claim?” Guide for Participants
A printable one-page PDF covering all 6 scenarios above plus the key questions to ask your Support Coordinator. Perfect for bringing to your next plan review. Download free →
About Fixable: We provide friendly, patient, on-site IT support across all Melbourne suburbs. We specialise in helping NDIS participants, seniors, families, and small businesses with technology — always in plain English, always at your home or office. NDIS Worker Screening cleared. Plan-managed and self-managed participants welcome. Call 0435 955 429 or visit fixable.au — we’d love to help.
