NDIS Technology Guide
Can NDIS Fund Technology Support?
A plain-English guide for NDIS participants, families, and Support Coordinators — covering what’s funded, what’s not, and how to access it.
👤 Participants & families
🤝 Support Coordinators
🏠 SIL house managers
📅 Updated April 2026
⏱ 7 min read
✅ NDIS Worker Screening Cleared
Technology is part of everyday life — for keeping in touch with family, managing appointments, using apps, accessing news, and staying independent at home. But when something goes wrong with a device, or a participant needs help learning to use their phone, computer, or tablet, a question comes up all the time:
Can the NDIS pay for technology support?
The short answer is: yes — in some situations. But the rules aren’t always obvious, and the NDIS made significant changes in late 2025 that affect how technology is funded. This guide explains everything clearly, without the jargon.
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The quick answer
The NDIS can fund technology support in three ways: buying assistive technology devices, setting them up (training and AT Mentoring), and maintaining or repairing them. However, general consumer tech support isn’t automatically covered — it needs to be connected to your disability-related goals. Keep reading to understand what applies to you.
⚠️ IMPORTANT 2025 CHANGE
From November 2025, the NDIS removed the old “Low Cost AT — Capacity Building” line item. Everyday devices like tablets, iPads, and smartphones are now on the Replacement Supports List — meaning they need to be either included in your NDIS plan as a stated support, or approved via a Replacement Supports Approval Letter before purchase. Make sure your Support Coordinator knows about this change when planning tech purchases.
The three ways NDIS funds technology support
Think of NDIS technology funding in three buckets:
1
Buy the device
Purchasing assistive technology — tablets, communication devices, accessible peripherals
2
Set it up & learn
Training, AT Mentoring, digital literacy coaching, device configuration
3
Maintain & repair
Ongoing upkeep, troubleshooting, and repair of approved AT equipment
Each of these has different funding categories, line items, and approval processes. We’ll walk through each one below.
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For NDIS participants and families
How technology support can be included in your NDIS plan
What counts as “technology support” under the NDIS?
The NDIS isn’t there to fund general tech help that anyone might need. It specifically funds technology that helps you do things you couldn’t do, or would find much harder, because of your disability. The technical term is “reasonable and necessary support.”
Here are some real examples of what this means in practice:
Real example — Learning to use video calls
“Maria has low vision and anxiety. Her NDIS plan includes a goal around staying connected with her family. A technician comes to her home, sets up Zoom on her tablet with large text and high contrast, and spends two hours teaching her how to make calls. This is fundable because it directly supports her plan goals.”
Real example — Communication device setup
“James is non-verbal and uses a tablet with an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app to communicate. His NDIS plan includes funding for the device (under Capital — Assistive Technology) and regular setup/training visits (under Capacity Building). When his tablet crashes, the repair is funded under AT Maintenance.”
What’s fundable — and what’s not
| Support type |
Funded? |
Notes |
| Setting up a communication app on your tablet |
✓ Yes |
If connected to communication or independence goals |
| Learning to use your device with a trainer |
✓ Yes |
Via AT Mentoring (line item 15_300_0103_1_3) |
| Repairing an approved AT device |
✓ Yes |
Category 19 — AT Maintenance, Repair and Rental |
| Buying a tablet or iPad |
~ Maybe |
Only if linked to disability needs + now requires plan inclusion or Replacement Supports Approval |
| Fixing your home Wi-Fi |
~ Maybe |
If Wi-Fi is needed for approved AT to function (e.g. a smart home control system) |
| General computer troubleshooting |
✕ Generally no |
Not an NDIS support unless directly tied to disability-related technology goals |
| Buying a smartphone for general use |
✕ No |
Considered everyday consumer technology — not an NDIS support |
Plain-English rule of thumb
Ask yourself: “Would I need this technology specifically because of my disability?” If yes, and it’s in your plan goals — it’s likely fundable. If it’s something most people buy regardless of disability, the NDIS generally won’t fund it.
Who can provide these services?
If you are plan-managed or self-managed, you can use any provider with a valid ABN — they don’t need to be NDIS-registered. This means you can use Fixable for AT setup, device training, and technology coaching using your plan funding.
If you are NDIA-managed (agency-managed), your provider must be NDIS-registered. Ask your Support Coordinator to clarify your management type if you’re unsure.
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For Support Coordinators
Line items, plan language, and what to look for in a tech provider
The relevant line items for technology support
When connecting participants with technology support, these are the main line items you’ll be working with:
| Line item |
What it funds |
Category |
|
AT Mentoring
15_300_0103_1_3
|
Independent advice, guidance, trials, setup, and training in assistive technology use. Can be delivered on-site or via telehealth. |
Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (15) |
|
Other Professional
15_056_0128_1_3
|
Technology professionals providing capacity-building support. Capped at $193.99/hr. |
Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (15) |
|
Low-cost AT
Category 03
|
AT items under $1,500. No formal quotes required, but must be reasonable and necessary. |
Core Supports — Consumables (03) |
|
Mid-cost AT
Category 05
|
AT items between $1,500–$15,000. Written evidence from a qualified AT advisor required. |
Capital Supports (05) |
|
AT Maintenance & Repair
Category 19
|
Maintenance, repair, and rental of existing approved AT. 28 support items since the PACE rollout. |
Capital Supports (19) |
How to write technology goals into plans
Frame technology support within a participant’s existing goals around independence, communication, or community participation. Here are examples of goal language that opens the door:
-
✓
“Build skills to use my devices independently to stay connected with family and community.”
-
✓
“Increase confidence using technology to manage daily tasks and appointments.”
-
✓
“Set up and learn to use assistive technology to support communication goals.”
-
✓
“Access online services, government portals, and telehealth independently.”
⚠️ Remember the 2025 change
The old “Low Cost AT — Capacity Building” line item was removed in November 2025. Everyday consumer devices are now on the Replacement Supports List and need plan inclusion or a Replacement Supports Approval Letter before purchase. Build this into your planning conversations.
What to look for in a technology support provider
- ✓NDIS Worker Screening clearance — essential for any provider working in participant homes or SIL environments
- ✓ABN and public liability insurance — minimum requirement for unregistered providers
- ✓Service agreement available — makes claiming straightforward for plan managers
- ✓Patient, plain-English communication style — critical for participants who may have anxiety around technology
Fixable’s credentials
Fixable holds NDIS Worker Screening clearance, public liability insurance, and a valid ABN. We provide service agreements and documentation suitable for plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants across all Melbourne suburbs. Call 0435 955 429 to discuss a participant’s needs before booking.
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For SIL house managers and disability organisations
Understanding participant-funded tech vs facility IT — and what Fixable can do for your houses
Two separate things: participant AT vs your facility IT
If you run SIL houses, there are two completely different types of technology support — and they’re funded very differently.
| Type |
What it covers |
Who pays |
| Participant AT support |
A resident’s personal device setup, communication apps, digital skills training — tied to their individual NDIS goals |
Participant’s NDIS plan |
| Facility / organisational IT |
House Wi-Fi, staff tablets, rostering software, security cameras, smart home systems, NBN setup |
Your organisation (business expense) |
Common technology needs in SIL houses
- ✓Reliable whole-house Wi-Fi — older residential properties often have dead spots; mesh Wi-Fi systems solve this for both residents and staff
- ✓Smart home technology — automated lighting, voice-controlled devices (Echo/Google Home), smart door locks for residents with independence supports
- ✓Staff devices setup — configuring tablets or laptops for shift notes, rostering apps (ShiftCare, SupportAbility), and incident reporting
- ✓Secure Wi-Fi separation — keeping staff networks separate from resident networks for privacy compliance
- ✓NBN setup and troubleshooting — ensuring reliable connectivity when moving into a new property
Fixable for SIL houses
We offer a dedicated SIL house IT setup service for providers in Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs. One call covers everything — from Wi-Fi to staff devices to smart home setup. We hold NDIS Worker Screening clearance and understand the compliance requirements your organisation faces. Call 0435 955 429 to discuss your houses.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an NDIS-registered provider for technology support?
+
It depends on how your plan is managed. If you are plan-managed or self-managed, you can use any provider with a valid ABN — they don’t need to be NDIS-registered. If you are NDIA-managed (agency-managed), you must use a registered provider. Fixable is not NDIS-registered but can serve plan-managed and self-managed participants.
Can I use NDIS funding to fix my home Wi-Fi?
Generally, home Wi-Fi repair is not an NDIS support on its own. However, if your Wi-Fi is essential for an approved AT device to work — for example, a smart home control system that supports your independence — then there may be a case for it under your plan. Speak to your Support Coordinator about how to frame this in your goals.
What changed in November 2025 with how devices are funded?
The NDIS removed the “Low Cost AT — Capacity Building” line item and placed everyday consumer devices (tablets, iPads, smartwatches, noise-cancelling headphones) on the Replacement Supports List. These items now need to be either included as a stated support in your NDIS plan, or approved via a Replacement Supports Approval Letter — before you purchase them. Speak to your Support Coordinator or plan manager if you’re unsure.
Can NDIS fund someone to teach me how to use my phone or computer?
Yes — this is one of the clearest cases of NDIS-fundable technology support. Digital literacy coaching and AT training fall under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (line item 15_300_0103_1_3 for AT Mentoring). The training needs to be connected to your disability-related goals — for example, learning to use video calls to stay connected with family, or setting up online banking for greater independence.
Does Fixable hold NDIS Worker Screening clearance?
Yes. All Fixable technicians hold current NDIS Worker Screening clearance issued through Service Victoria. This means we can visit participant homes and SIL houses safely and in compliance with NDIS requirements. We can provide documentation of our clearance on request.
I manage SIL houses — can Fixable help with our facility technology?
Absolutely. Fixable provides facility IT support for SIL providers across Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs. This includes Wi-Fi setup and troubleshooting, staff device configuration, smart home technology installation, NBN setup, and ongoing maintenance. This is an organisational IT expense (not participant-funded). Call
0435 955 429 to discuss your properties.
Not sure what applies to your situation?
Download our free NDIS Technology Support Checklist — or call us directly and we’ll talk you through it in plain English. No pressure, no jargon.
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Free NDIS Technology Support Checklist
A one-page PDF covering what’s fundable, what line items to use, and what to ask your Support Coordinator. Download it free here →
