05_122409871_0105_1_2
Wheelchair Accessory - Power-Assist Drive Technology

Line Item Description

This NDIS support item falls under the Capital budget's Assistive Technology (AT) category. It specifically covers the provision of Power-Assist Drive Technology for a manual wheelchair.

Power-Assist drive units are complex accessories fitted to a manual wheelchair that augment the user's pushing motion, making it significantly easier to propel the chair. These systems are typically prescribed for participants who have:

Sufficient upper limb function to self-propel but experience pain, fatigue, or difficulty managing ramps, uneven terrain, or long distances.

A need to maintain active participation in their mobility while reducing the risk of long-term overuse injuries (e.g., shoulder injuries).

This technology is classified as a high-level assistive technology solution because it requires specific clinical assessment to determine the appropriate model and setup for the participant's specific functional goals and environment. The goal of funding this accessory is to increase the participant's endurance, travel distance, and overall independence in accessing the community and engaging in daily activities.

As a high-cost, high-risk item, the prescription must be recommended by an appropriately qualified Assistive Technology assessor, such as an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, to ensure it is the most suitable intervention for the participant's complex needs.