Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 Outcomes Framework: Second annual report

Assistive technology comprises devices or systems used by people to make tasks easier. Smart phones and remote controls are examples of such technology used daily by many people. Other types of assistive technology include grab rails, hoists, wheelchairs, hearing aids, text captioning services, home modifications, digital assistive technology, prosthetics and devices to support memory.

For people with disability, access to assistive technology supports inclusion, participation, communication and engagement in all aspects of life (Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031).

NDIS participants use of assistive technology

Assistive technology helps people with disability do things they may not otherwise be able to do (due to their disability) easily or safely. It is designed to help with everyday tasks and may reduce the need for other supports over time (NDIS 2022).

The Outcomes Framework intended to track the proportion that utilisation of NDIS participants’ plans on assistive technology supports. To clarify the intent of the measure, it is reported here as:

• proportion of NDIS participants who received assistive technology supports in the last 12 months.

The desired key system outcome for this measure is that the NDIS provides participants with access to the assistive technology they require.

Data presented in this report measures the proportion of active NDIS participants receiving assistive technology supports of any value in the last 12 months. This differs from the first annual report where data were restricted to assistive technology supports valued more than $1,500. The change is due to additional data becoming available. As a result, the baseline and historic data have also been revised.

Revised results at baseline: 2021–22 Q2

• In 2021–22 Q2 (baseline quarter), 49% of NDIS participants aged 15–64 received assistive technology supports in the previous 12 months.
• The overall trend for the period leading up to and including the baseline (2017–18 Q2 to 2021–22 Q2) was favourable, trending upward (Figure 5.2).

Latest results: 2022–23 Q4

• In 2022–23 Q4, almost half (48.6%) of NDIS participants aged 15–64 received assistive technology supports in the previous 12 months. There has been a very small decrease of 0.3 of a percentage point since baseline, indicating no change since the Strategy began.
• Although the movements post-baseline have been very small, there was a slight downward trend over the first 9 months of the Strategy, with decreases between 0.2 and 0.4 of a percentage point between 2021–22 Q2 and 2022–23 Q1.
• Between 2022–23 Q1 and 2022–23 Q4, the measure has increased between 0.2 and 0.3 of a percentage point per quarter, reversing the trend over the first 9 months.

Things to consider when interpreting results

• Time series analysis for the NDIS data presented here is different from the longitudinal approach taken in NDIS reporting. See Data sources | National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for more details. 
• Participants are likely to still be using and benefitting from assistive technology (as a capital investment) even if there are no costs incurred during a 12-month period.
• All supports funded in a NDIS participant’s plan must meet the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Criteria, which includes that the support will be effective for the participant and be related to their specific disability needs. Not all NDIS participants would necessarily have a reasonable and necessary requirement for assistive technology supports.

For figure notes, see Appendix C: Figure notes and sources.

For the latest data and breakdowns of the data, see Australia’s Disability Strategy Outcomes Framework | NDIS participants use of assistive technology.

Additional aids

People with disability may use aids or equipment to assist with their functioning, improve their independence and increase their participation in social and economic life. The use of aids and equipment varies according to a person’s living arrangements and their level of impairment (ABS 2019).

The desired population outcome for this measure is an increase in the accessibility of assistive technology for people with disability. 

For the latest data and breakdowns of the data, see Australia’s Disability Strategy Outcomes Framework | Additional aids.