Choosing appropriate assistive technology can meaningfully support greater independence, safety, and quality of life for people with disability. For individuals supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), navigating the wide range of available options can be overwhelming. This is where families and loved ones play a powerful role.

From helping to set meaningful goals to researching available devices and understanding NDIS processes, families and carers can provide valuable support at every stage. This guide outlines practical steps loved ones can take to support NDIS participants in selecting personal alarms and other assistive technologies that truly meet their needs.

Understanding the NDIS and Assistive Technology

Assistive technology, often referred to as AT, covers a broad range of tools, devices, and systems that support people with disability to do things more safely and independently. This includes items such as mobility aids, personal alarms, smart home systems, vision and hearing supports, and much more.

According to NDIS guidelines for supporting a person to choose assistive technology, the most effective AT solutions are those that align with the person’s functional needs, personal goals, and home environment.

Families can play a valuable role in helping their loved one clarify what they hope to achieve. For example, someone may want to remain living independently at home, feel safer when going out in the community, or improve how they communicate with others. These goals can then guide the choice of technologies that will best support those outcomes.

Step 1: Start with the Person’s Goals and Everyday Needs

The most successful technology decisions are guided by the user’s personal goals. Families can start by having open and honest conversations about daily routines, challenges and aspirations.

• What areas of their life do they want more control over?
• Where do they feel unsafe or restricted in their daily routines?
• What would greater independence look like for them?
• How do they want to improve their sense of connection with others?
• What goals or experiences are most meaningful to them?

Whether it is feeling confident while living alone, managing medication on time, or knowing that help is available at the press of a button, these goals help guide the search for technology options that are most likely to be suitable.

Listening and taking the time to understand the individual’s priorities is key to making the right choice. This includes asking open-ended questions, discussing everyday experiences, and observing where support could make a difference. Families should emphasise the person’s strengths and aspirations, rather than focusing solely on limitations. By centring the conversation on what matters most to the participant, families help to ensure that the chosen technology is meaningful, practical, and aligned with their vision for the future.

Step 2: Learn About the Range of Available Technologies

There is a growing range of assistive technologies now available through the NDIS, from low-tech tools to sophisticated digital systems. Families can play a helpful role by exploring and introducing potential solutions in a calm, collaborative way.

Some technologies commonly funded by the NDIS include:

• Personal alarms with GPS tracking, fall detection, and 24/7 monitoring
• Medication management systems that provide reminders and dispense correct doses
• Voice-activated controls for lights, blinds, and appliances
• Mobility aids like walkers or powered wheelchairs
• Communication devices and accessible apps for people with speech or hearing impairments

In rural and regional areas, access to support services can be limited, making smart assistive devices even more valuable. Research from the Australian Journal of Rural Health suggests that when technology is co-designed with users, it’s more likely to result in greater satisfaction and long-term use.

Families can attend product demonstrations, read case studies, or visit providers like Tunstall Healthcare to explore options. The goal is to help the participant discover what works best for their lifestyle and preferences.

Step 3: Support Navigation of the NDIS Process

The NDIS application process for assistive technology can involve several steps, including functional assessments, obtaining quotes, and submitting detailed supporting documents. Families can provide helpful administrative and emotional support throughout this process.

Here are a few practical ways to assist:

• Attend appointments and NDIS planning meetings with the participant
• Assist in collecting reports from occupational therapists or other allied health professionals.
• Keep records of discussions, quotes, and product comparisons
• Research registered NDIS providers with experience in assistive technology
• Advocate for the participant’s choices and support them in voicing their preferences

Not all assistive technology requires pre-approval. The NDIS assistive technology brochure outlines that low-risk and low-cost items (under $1,500) may be claimed without full approval. These are generally considered ‘Level 1’ or ‘Level 2’ technologies and include simple solutions such as personal alarms, shower chairs, or basic communication aids that do not require modification or specialised setup.

However, higher-cost or more complex items—such as environmental control systems, mobility devices with digital integration, or equipment tailored to specific clinical needs—usually require supporting documentation, such as an occupational therapist’s report, quotes, and a clear link to the participant’s NDIS goals.

Staying organised, patient, and informed can help navigate the process more smoothly and may reduce delays. Families can support this process by helping gather reports, tracking communications with providers, and following up on approvals when needed.

Step 4: Respect Your Loved One’s Voice and Preferences

Supporting choice means creating space for decision-making, not making decisions on behalf of the person. NDIS evaluations highlights the importance of empowering people with disability to be the primary decision-makers in selecting their technology. Research shows that when people have control over choosing devices that suit their daily lives, preferences, and support goals, the result is greater satisfaction and consistent use over time. It also stresses that decision-making should be inclusive, giving individuals the time, tools, and support they need to explore and test options before committing.

Here are a few respectful ways families can help:

• Encourage hands-on trials and testing of different devices
• Share information in a format the person finds easiest to understand—whether visual, verbal, or hands-on
• Allow time for questions and consideration
• Be supportive without rushing the decision
• Respect when the participant changes their mind or has concerns

Maintaining a sense of agency can play a key role in encouraging long-term engagement with the technology. If the participant feels ownership over the decision, they are more likely to use and value the device.

Step 5: Encourage Ongoing Review and Adjustment

A person’s needs and goals can evolve over time due to changes in health, lifestyle, environment, or personal preferences. What was once an effective assistive technology solution may no longer fully meet the participant’s requirements. That’s why regular review and adjustment are essential to ensure continued relevance and benefit.

Families can play a crucial role by encouraging ongoing conversations about how the technology is functioning day-to-day. This means checking in on whether the device or system is helping the participant achieve their goals, identifying any challenges or frustrations, and exploring opportunities for improvements or upgrades.

The annual NDIS plan review offers a natural opportunity to revisit assistive technology needs and request changes or additions to supports. However, it’s important to remember that adjustments can be made at any time. If a participant finds that their current technology is not meeting their needs, they and their families can work with NDIS planners and providers to seek reassessment and explore alternatives sooner.

Research on families accessing NDIS support highlights the significant role of family involvement in maintaining the effectiveness of assistive technology over time. By staying engaged, families can support the ongoing effectiveness of technology in meeting the person’s evolving goals and independence.

Practical ways families can support this ongoing process include:

• Keeping a journal or notes detailing any issues, such as device malfunctions, usability difficulties, or new needs that arise.
• Observing changes in the participant’s health, mobility, or cognitive function that might impact how they use their assistive technology.
• Encouraging the participant to share honest feedback about what’s working and what isn’t.
• Assisting with follow-up appointments, reassessments, or new evaluations with occupational therapists or other allied health professionals.
• Staying informed about new assistive technology innovations and funding options through the NDIS.

By maintaining active involvement and open communication, families help to create a responsive support environment. This ensures that assistive technology remains a positive, enabling tool that adapts alongside the participant’s journey.

Tunstall: Supporting Families and NDIS Participants

Tunstall Healthcare partners with individuals and their families and carers to provide NDIS-compatible assistive technology that enhances independence, safety, and quality of life. As a registered NDIS provider, we offer a wide range of personal alarms, fall detection systems, and connected care solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

We recognise that every person’s situation is different. That’s why our approach is personalised and focused on empowering both participants and their families to feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the decision-making process.

Supporting a loved one in choosing assistive technology can be a meaningful way to enhance their wellbeing. Families who listen carefully, research options thoroughly, and advocate alongside the participant help ensure the chosen technologies are practical, embraced, and effective.

Technology alone doesn’t create empowerment, but when combined with understanding and encouragement, it has the potential to open new possibilities and support daily wellbeing. For expert advice on personal alarms and assistive technologies funded through the NDIS, explore our Tunstall NDIS Solutions brochure or request a quote, and our team will reach out to you.

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