Can NDIS Fund IT Support?
What Participants Can Actually Claim
A plain-English guide for NDIS participants, families and Support Coordinators — with 6 real scenarios to show where your situation fits.
Yes — for self-managed and plan-managed participants. In-home technology support like device setup, Zoom, email, MyGov, Wi-Fi and digital skills lessons can be funded through an NDIS plan when the support connects to a disability-related goal. The specific line item depends on how your plan is written, and your Plan Manager confirms this before work begins. Fixable charges $89/hr. Agency-managed participants must use registered providers.
You have probably wondered this — maybe when your phone stopped working, or you needed someone to show you how to use Zoom to call your family. Could the NDIS pay for this?
The honest answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no — and it depends on your specific situation, not a fixed list.
This guide walks through 6 real scenarios. Find yours. At the end, we give you the exact words to use with your Support Coordinator.
Before You Read — A Quick Note on Fixable’s Scope
This blog covers what NDIS can fund for technology generally — across many provider types. Fixable specifically delivers general in-home tech support: device setup, Wi-Fi, communication apps, MyGov, online safety, smart home and digital skills lessons.
Fixable does not deliver specialist AT Mentoring (line item 15_300_0103_1_3) — that requires a Certificate IV in AT Mentoring plus lived AT experience. We also don’t do AT prescription, OT assessment, or hard-wired/structural work. Where a scenario below needs a specialist, we say so — and refer you on if needed.
“Would I need this technology specifically because of my disability?”
If yes — and it connects to a goal in your NDIS plan — there is a real chance it can be funded. If it is something most people buy for everyday life regardless of disability, the NDIS generally won’t pay for it. This is the “reasonable and necessary” test. It applies to everything.
Find Your Situation
These are based on real situations we encounter working with NDIS participants across Melbourne. They are not official rulings — every plan is individual — but they give you a much clearer picture of what is likely to be funded and why.
“I have cerebral palsy and can’t use a standard keyboard or mouse”
The situation: Maya has cerebral palsy affecting her upper limbs. A standard keyboard and mouse are too difficult. She needs switch access, eye-gaze technology, or voice control configured on her computer.
What the NDIS would likely fund
The equipment itself (switch, eye-gaze device, specialised input device) under Capital — Assistive Technology. The specialist setup and training to use it under Capacity Building, typically delivered by a qualified AT Mentor with Cert IV in AT Mentoring. An OT assessment to identify the right solution may also be funded.
Why it qualifies
The technology is needed specifically because of the disability. It connects to independence and participation goals. Standard consumer tech cannot replace it.
Fixable’s role here
This is specialist AT territory — start with an OT and a qualified AT Mentor for the core setup. Fixable can help afterwards with the general computer side (email, Zoom, accessibility settings on the standard device).
“I have low vision and need a screen reader or magnification set up”
The situation: Robert has low vision from a degenerative condition. He has devices but hasn’t been able to configure VoiceOver, screen readers, or text magnification. He wants to use the accessibility tools already built into his devices but needs someone to set them up properly.
What the NDIS would likely fund
Setting up and optimising screen readers (VoiceOver, NVDA), configuring display settings, and one-on-one training under Capacity Building. The specific line item depends on how Robert’s plan is written — sometimes general digital skills, sometimes specialist AT Mentoring if dedicated low-vision AT is involved. Specialised magnification software may be fundable as Capital AT if built-in tools are not sufficient.
Why it qualifies
Built-in accessibility features need correct configuration to be useful. Many participants have these tools on their devices but have never had them set up. The training and setup are directly disability-related.
Fixable’s role here
Configuring built-in iOS, Android, Windows or Mac accessibility features on standard consumer devices is firmly in Fixable’s scope. For specialist low-vision AT (dedicated magnifiers, refreshable braille displays, etc.), an AT Mentor or vision-specialist provider is the right fit.
“My child uses an iPad for AAC communication — it broke and needs reconfiguring”
The situation: Lena is 9 years old and non-verbal. She uses an iPad with Proloquo2Go as her primary communication tool. A software update broke 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 typically funded under AT Maintenance, Repair and Rental (Category 19). The original iPad may have been funded under Capital — Assistive Technology (Category 5, Communication and Information Equipment) if 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 exists specifically for this.
Fixable’s role here
AAC reconfiguration usually sits with the Speech Pathologist who prescribed the system, or a specialist AAC technician. Fixable can help with general iPad-side issues (the device itself, Wi-Fi, app updates) but the specific communication board reconfiguration is best handled by the SP who knows Lena’s symbols and pages.
“I had a stroke and I’m relearning how to use my phone and computer”
The situation: Graham had a stroke 18 months ago. Technology he used to manage easily — online banking, emails, video calls with his grandchildren — now feels confusing. His NDIS plan includes a goal around building confidence and independence at home.
What the NDIS would likely fund
One-on-one digital skills coaching — email, video calls, online services — under Capacity Building. The line item depends on how the plan is written; the Plan Manager confirms. The sessions need to be framed as building a specific skill that supports his independence goal — not “general tech help.”
Why it qualifies
The stroke directly caused the difficulty with technology. Relearning these skills is rebuilding functional capacity lost due to disability. This connects strongly to independence and community participation goals already in his plan.
Fixable’s role here
This is in Fixable’s lane. Patient, repeated, in-home digital skills coaching at the participant’s pace, with written notes after every session so the learning sticks. Plan Manager confirms the line item before the first visit.
“I have MS and want smart home tech so I can manage without a support worker”
The situation: Diane has progressive MS affecting her mobility and fine motor control. She wants smart lighting, voice-controlled devices and motorised blinds so she can manage her environment without needing a support worker for 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 have a strong case. Voice-controlled devices may be fundable if recommended by an OT and connected to independence goals. An OT recommendation is essential — 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’s role here
Once the OT has recommended the right setup, Fixable does the implementation — installing smart plugs and switches, setting up Alexa or Google Home routines, training Diane and any support workers on how to use it. We don’t prescribe — we deliver what the OT has approved.
“My computer is just slow and I want someone to fix it”
The situation: Tom has an NDIS plan but his main request is that his laptop is running slowly. This happens to everyone’s computer regardless of disability.
What the NDIS would fund here
General computer maintenance any household might need is not an NDIS support. The NDIS specifically excludes supports not related to your disability.
However — there’s a grey area
If Tom’s disability (for example, a cognitive impairment) means he relies on his computer to access essential services or communication, and cannot maintain it independently, there could be a case. The framing matters enormously. “Fix my slow computer” is not fundable. “Set up and maintain the communication tools I rely on because of my cognitive disability” — with the right plan goals — may be.
Fixable’s role here
If you’re not sure whether your situation crosses into fundable territory, your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator is the right person to ask. Fixable is also happy to take general computer work as a private booking ($89/hr, not via NDIS funding) if that’s simpler for you.
The 3 Ways NDIS Funds Tech Support
Technology support fits into three different NDIS funding buckets. Which one applies depends on what you need.
Learning & Training
One-on-one sessions teaching you to use your devices, apps, accessibility features or communication tools. Building skills over time.
Buying Assistive Tech
Purchasing devices or software that help you specifically because of your disability — communication devices, accessible keyboards, screen readers, smart home systems.
Maintaining & Repairing
Keeping approved AT devices working — repairs, software updates, reconfiguring AAC devices after updates break settings.
⚠️ Recent NDIS Device Rules — What Changed
NDIS rules around funding everyday consumer devices like tablets and smartphones tightened from 3 October 2024. These items now sit on the Replacement Supports list — meaning they need to be either listed as a stated support in your plan, or approved via a Replacement Supports application. If you are thinking of using your NDIS plan to buy a new device, talk to your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager before purchasing — not after.
Always confirm current funding rules with your Support Coordinator or the NDIA directly at ndis.gov.au, as rules can change.
What to Say to Your Support Coordinator
The way you describe a technology need to your Support Coordinator can make a significant difference. Here are the exact phrases that connect tech support to fundable goals — and the ones that don’t.
✕ 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”
✓ Connects to goals — more likely to be funded
- “I need training to use video calling to stay in touch with family — this supports my community participation goal”
- “My disability means I can’t use a standard keyboard — I need adaptive technology set up to use a computer independently”
- “My approved communication device needs reconfiguring after a software update broke my AAC boards”
- “I need my screen reader and accessibility settings configured 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
“Does my current plan have any Capacity Building funding that could cover technology training?”
“Could we add a technology goal to my next plan — something around building skills to use [specific app or 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?”
What Fixable Charges
Included at $89/hr:
- In-home visit — we come to the participant
- No call-out fee · No minimum hours
- Service agreement before first visit
- NDIS-compliant itemised invoice within 24 hours
- Line item agreed with Plan Manager before booking
- Plan Managers pay directly
- Same technician every visit — no contractors
Fixable does not bill under AT Mentoring (15_300_0103_1_3) — that is a specialist code requiring Cert IV qualifications outside our scope.
Self-Managed Participants
Pay the Fixable invoice. Then claim back from NDIS through the myplace portal or my NDIS app. Keep the invoice for 5 years.
Plan-Managed Participants
Fixable invoices your Plan Manager directly. You pay nothing. The Plan Manager confirms the appropriate line item before the first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not necessarily. Technology support is often funded under broader goals like increasing independence at home, improving community participation or building daily living skills. If the tech support clearly helps you achieve a goal already in your plan, there is a reasonable case even if technology is not specifically mentioned. Talk to your Support Coordinator about how to make the connection explicit.
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Yes. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use unregistered providers like Fixable. Your Plan Manager pays the Fixable invoice directly — you do not handle any money. Fixable charges $89/hr and provides NDIS-compliant itemised invoices. The specific line item is confirmed with your Plan Manager before the first visit so the invoice matches your plan. Agency-managed (NDIA-managed) participants must use registered providers only.
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Fixable charges $89/hr with no call-out fee and no minimum hours. Plan Managers pay invoices directly for plan-managed participants; self-managed participants pay and claim back through the NDIS portal. Itemised invoice issued within 24 hours of every visit.
Fixable does not bill under AT Mentoring (line item 15_300_0103_1_3) — that’s a specialist code requiring a Certificate IV in AT Mentoring, which sits outside our scope.
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Sometimes — but not through general tech support visits. Buying an iPad or laptop through NDIS requires a separate Capital Assistive Technology pathway, typically with an OT or Speech Pathologist’s recommendation. NDIS rules around funding everyday devices tightened from October 2024 — always speak to your Support Coordinator before purchasing a device with your plan. Once a device is approved and purchased, Fixable can help with the in-home setup and training.
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Possibly — but device funding rules changed in 2024 and this area requires careful navigation. If the iPad is being used as an AAC communication device recommended by a Speech Pathologist, there is a strong case under Capital — Assistive Technology, often via the Replacement Supports pathway. Work with your child’s Speech Pathologist and Support Coordinator together — the SP’s recommendation is critical evidence. Always confirm current funding rules with your Support Coordinator before purchasing.
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Yes — we offer a free callback to talk through the technology side of your situation. What setup or training would look like, what’s in our scope, what might fall outside it. We’re not Plan Managers, Support Coordinators or OTs, so the funding decisions sit with them. But we can give you a clear picture of the tech side, which often helps when you do speak with your SC or Plan Manager. Call 0435 955 429 or email hello@fixable.au. No pressure, no obligation.
More NDIS Technology Resources
In-Home NDIS Tech Support Melbourne
What Fixable does for NDIS participants, families, Support Coordinators and Plan Managers — scope, pricing, compliance, and how to refer.
About Fixable — Meet Osama
Aged-care background, four years in IT, 500+ in-home visits across Melbourne. NDIS Worker Screening cleared, fully insured.
Where Fixable Works Across Melbourne
Suburb-by-suburb coverage across Melbourne’s eastern, inner-east, south-east and bayside regions, up to 60km from the CBD.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Call us for a free chat. We will tell you honestly whether your situation fits what Fixable does — and point you toward the right specialist if it doesn’t. No jargon. No obligation.