Purchasing Low Cost Wheelchair Equipment Through The NDIS: What You Need To Know

Purchasing Low Cost Wheelchair Equipment Through The NDIS: What You Need To Know

Purchasing low cost wheelchair parts, accessories and equipment upgrades through the NDIS can be more straightforward than people expect.

Some NDIS participants are surprised to learn that everyday wheelchair equipment does not always follow the same process as higher value or more complex assistive technology.

In most cases, products that fall within Consumables or Low Cost Assistive Technology (AT) categories can be purchased using funding available within a participant’s Core supports budget, depending on their plan and circumstances.

At Wheelchair Outfitters, we specialise in supplying high quality wheelchair parts, accessories, upgrades and general mobility products under $1,500, with our products commonly falling within these categories.

Consumables

Consumables generally refer to products used regularly or replaced over time to keep equipment operating safely and reliably.

For wheelchair users, examples may include:

Low Cost Assistive Technology (AT)

Low Cost Assistive Technology generally refers to equipment that supports independence, mobility, comfort or day-to-day function.

As a general guide, low cost assistive technology products are valued under $1,500 per item.

Funding for low cost assistive technology can be accessed through a participant’s Core – Consumables budget, making everyday wheelchair equipment and upgrades simple to purchase.

Examples may include:

While many low cost AT products are standard everyday equipment, some wheelchair products may still involve selecting sizes, configurations or components to suit an individual setup.

For some equipment categories, products may also be supplied as individual components rather than as a complete system to help meet funding requirements. For example, wheelsets are commonly supplied as individual left and right wheel components.

Self-Managed, Plan Managed And NDIA Managed Participants

Your plan management type can affect where and how you purchase equipment.

Self-Managed

Self-managed participants generally have the greatest flexibility when purchasing low cost wheelchair equipment.

This usually means you can choose your supplier directly, purchase the equipment and claim through your NDIS funding where appropriate.

Plan Managed

Plan-managed participants can generally purchase from both registered and non-registered providers.

Your Plan Manager typically assists with payment and administration while still allowing flexibility over supplier choice.

NDIA Managed

If your plan is NDIA-managed, purchases generally need to be made through registered providers.

Wheelchair Outfitters is not currently able to process orders for NDIA-managed participants unless another approved purchasing arrangement is in place.

Registered vs Unregistered Providers

Another common misconception is that all NDIS equipment must be purchased through a registered provider.

For many participants purchasing Consumables or Low Cost Assistive Technology (AT), that is not the case.

If your plan is self-managed or plan managed, you can choose to purchase from both registered and unregistered providers.

Don’t let the term unregistered put you off.

There are many highly specialised, experienced and dedicated suppliers operating within the mobility sector who choose not to become NDIS registered providers. Registration can involve significant time, administration and ongoing compliance requirements, which is not always the right fit for smaller specialist businesses.

Wheelchair Outfitters is not an NDIS registered provider and currently works primarily with self-managed and plan-managed participants.

For many customers, this provides greater flexibility and access to specialist wheelchair products, replacement parts, accessories and upgrades that may not always be available through larger registered providers.

If your plan is NDIA managed, purchases generally need to be made through registered providers, which can reduce supplier choice.

If you're unsure which arrangement applies to you, checking with your Plan Manager or the NDIA before purchasing is always worthwhile.

Purchasing Through Wheelchair Outfitters

We aim to make purchasing wheelchair equipment simple and practical.

Depending on the product, you can:

  • Buy online directly through our website (and claim back through the NDIS if necessary)
  • Request a quote before ordering
  • Request an invoice for yourself or your Plan Manager
  • Contact us for help with product selection or compatibility

We can provide tax invoices prior to or after a purchase to assist with your own records or Plan Manager requirements.

Final Thoughts

NDIS purchasing does not always need to be complicated.

For self-managed and plan-managed participants, purchasing wheelchair tyres, tubes, accessories, replacement parts and low cost wheelchair upgrades can be a straightforward process.

Wheelchair Outfitters supplies both consumables and low cost assistive technology products, helping participants access high quality wheelchair equipment without unnecessary complexity.

If you are unsure which product is right for your setup, or whether you need a quote or invoice before ordering, get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.

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