SDA is a type of housing for participants who need a lot of support, while AT is equipment, technology or devices that help you do things more safely and easily in your home that you normally can’t do because of your disability. AT could be small things like non-slip mats, big things like powered adjustable beds, or technology to help you communicate more easily. You can read about AT here. Some key points to be aware of:
Anna is 35 years old and lives with her elderly parents. Anna has a goal to become more independent and live on her own. With the support of her Occupational Therapist (OT) and Support Coordinator, Anna is applying to live in Improved Liveability SDA by herself.
Anna has been diagnosed as having Autism and has challenges being able to talk and communicate. She can mobilise without assistance but her parents support her with day-to-day care to help her manage herself like washing herself, following routines and managing her behaviour and safety. They communicate with Anna using a whiteboard however, Anna has started to become more frustrated and is increasingly struggling to communicate through writing despite psychology support.
Anna needs an AT assessment to identify the type of AT that can help her be more independent in her SDA home – to do things she currently can’t do because of difficulty in communicating. Anna will need a Speech Pathologist to trial some AT options to assess the type of communication aids or technology she may need in her SDA home. Based on the assessment and the devices that Anna trialed for doing different activities with support workers and by herself, the Speech Pathologist has recommended a $17,000 communication device. The NDIS have decided this is reasonable and necessary and will help Anna with her goal to be more independent and approve the funding.
Contact our NDIS Housing Advice Line on 1300 61 64 63 from Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm (AEDT).