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Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Guide

How We Work With You

Our occupational therapists work with you to explore the activities, routines and roles that matter most. We look at your goals, challenges, lifestyle, supports and environment to help identify assistive technology (AT) and home modifications (HM) that genuinely support your independence.

Every person is different - and the right solution for you may be different from what works for someone else. Our role is to help you find options that fit your life, your goals and your funding pathway.

Learn about Assistive Technology.

What This Guide Covers

This guide provides an overview of the types of assistive technology (AT) and home modifications (HM) commonly considered for funding across Australian schemes such as NDIS, CHSP, My Aged Care, insurance schemes and private funding. It also outlines what LifeTec can support, when another health professional may be required, and how funding bodies make decisions.

Assistive Technology Categories We Commonly Support

  • Examples include:

    • Wheelchairs and mobility bases

    • Walkers and rollators

    • Seating systems

    • Pressure care cushions

    • Transfer aids

  • Examples include:

    • Speech‑generating devices

    • Communication apps

    • Symbol‑based systems

    • Alternative access (switches, eye gaze, head tracking)

  • Examples include:

    • Dressing aids

    • Eating and drinking supports

    • Bathroom aids

    • Environmental control units

  • Examples include:

    • Visual schedules

    • Timers and reminders

    • Smart home supports

    • Organisational tools

  • Examples include:

    • Voice‑activated devices

    • Smart switches

    • Environmental control systems

    • Accessible phone/tablet setups

  • Examples include:

    • Adjustable beds

    • Pressure‑relieving mattresses

    • Custom seating

    • Bed mobility supports

Home Modification Categories We Support

  • Examples include:

    • Grab rails

    • Threshold ramps

    • Hand‑held showers

    • Handrails

  • Examples include:

    • Bathroom redesigns

    • Access ramps

    • Lifts and hoists

    • Doorway widening

    • Kitchen accessibility changes

Understanding What LifeTec Can and Cannot Recommend

We follow clinical guidelines and funding requirements to ensure the assistive technology (AT) and home modifications (HM) we recommend are safe, appropriate and linked to your functional needs.

 

These two cards outline where we can support you — and where another health professional may be required.

What LifeTec Can Recommend

Our occupational therapists can recommend AT and HM solutions when they:

  • Disability‑related functional needs - the item directly supports your daily activities, mobility or participation

  • Safety, independence or participation - the solution reduces risk and increases autonomy

  • Reasonable and necessary criteria - aligns with NDIS or other funding requirements

  • Goals and daily routines - the recommendation fits your lifestyle and priorities

  • Evidence‑informed practice - the solution is safe, practical and clinically appropriate

 

We also collaborate with:

  • Support coordinators

  • Plan managers

  • Builders and suppliers

  • Other allied health professionals

What LifeTec Cannot Recommend

To meet clinical and funding requirements, we cannot recommend:

  • General household convenience items - items that are not linked to functional needs

  • Purely medical items - equipment intended for clinical or medical treatment

  • Items without a disability‑related link - items that do not address functional challenges

  • Unsafe or non‑evidence‑based items - products that are not fit‑for‑purpose

  • Items outside our clinical scope - items requiring specialist assessment not provided by LifeTec (e.g., physiotherapy‑specific equipment)


Important note:

LifeTec can recommend AAC and communication devices because we have a Speech Pathologist skilled in AAC. When AAC input is needed, our OT and SP work together to ensure recommendations are safe, appropriate and aligned with your goals.


If another health professional is required, we will guide you to the right support.

Funding Considerations

Funding bodies such as the NDIS, CHSP and My Aged Care each have their own eligibility criteria, evidence requirements, approval processes, item categories and safety considerations. We discuss these with you during your initial meeting and help you understand the best pathway for your situation.

Download the Full List

You can download a detailed list of commonly funded AT and HM items.

Download the list

Who We Support

NDIS participant using assistive technology at home

NDIS participants & people with disability

Older person using home modifications to stay safe and independent

CHSP clients & people ageing at home

Carer supporting a family member with assistive technology

Carers & families

Support coordinator

Support coordinators

Allied health professional assessing a client’s assistive technology needs

Allied health professionals

Community organisation team

Community organisations

Why Choose LifeTec?

Over 47 years supporting Queenslanders

Occupational therapists and speech pathologists experienced in assistive technology & home modification

NDIS and CHSP registered provider

Evidence‑informed recommendations

Collaborative approach with builders, suppliers and support teams

Support from assessment through to implementation

Frequently asked questions

Ready to explore your options?

Get in touch with us to discuss your goals and find the right assistive technology or home modification solution.

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