State Funding
In July 2016, the NDIS finished its trial period and the full Scheme began rolling out across Australia. Many people are now able to access funding for AAC devices through the NDIS. However, in some areas the NDIS is yet to rollout, or is not yet available to all eligible participants. Those who do not yet have an NDIS plan, or who are not eligible to become an NDIS participant, may be able to access funding for AAC devices through a state-based funding scheme.
The information below outlines the current availability of the NDIS in each state & territory, and access to other state-based schemes (current as at July 2018). Full availability indicates that the NDIS has officially rolled out to all areas of the state. However, there are still many eligible participants who cannot yet access NDIS funding due to extensive waiting times for initial planning meetings or other rollout delays.
If the NDIS is not yet available in your area, or if you are not eligible for the NDIS, you may be able to receive funding through the relevant state-based schemes. All state & commonwealth schemes require that your application for an AAC device is submitted by a qualified speech pathologist, following a suitable trial period. Please see each funding body’s website for specific application criteria.
For the most up to date information on the rollout of the NDIS in each state, please visit the NDIS website.
State | NDIS Availability | State Funding Schemes for AAC Devices |
QLD |
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Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) (includes CAEATI)
|
NSW | Available now in all areas |
EnableNSW - Aids & Equipment Program
|
ACT | Available now in all areas | |
VIC |
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Yooralla – Electronic Communication Devices Scheme
|
TAS |
|
|
WA | WA NDIS clients
New NDIS clients:
|
Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP)
|
SA | Available now in all areas; however, due to a number of factors including the challenge of identifying appropriate Partners in the Community to support planning outcomes at the required pace, the transition will take longer than scheduled. The SA government has agreed that they will maintain current funding arrangements until participants receive an approved NDIS plan. |
Domiciliary Equipment Service - DHS Equipment Program To be eligible, the person must be permanently residing in SA and eligible for services through Disability Services, Domiciliary Care, Novita Children's Services (Novita) or Minda Inc. |
NT | Available now in all areas |