The NDIS funds a wide range of disability-related health supports. This doesn't only include services, but technology and equipment as well.
This can include communication aids, home modifications, assistive technology, mobility aids, and more.
But does the NDIS cover prescription glasses? The short answer is no.
The NDIS only funds equipment and items that are considered necessary and important for your disability.
If you want to know more about what the NDIS does and doesn't cover, keep reading. In this article, we'll discuss NDIS funding and what it applies to in more detail.
Does the NDIS Pay for Glasses?
The NDIS provides support and funding for disability-related needs. This support must be necessary for people with disabilities to participate in daily life.
NDIS covers a wide range of support services. These include:
- Personal care
- Therapeutic support
- Help with transportation
- Home modifications
- Assistive technology
- Help with household chores
The NDIS funds various technologies, equipment, and items. They must be disability-related. They also must be considered necessary and reasonable.
That being said, the NDIS does not cover prescription glasses.
Vision impairment or eye-related conditions may be considered in the NDIS planning process. But routine or standard prescription glasses are typically considered a personal expense.
For your glasses to be funded by the NDIS, they must be disability specific.
A person might have a significant visual impairment that requires specialised or assistive technology. In this case, the NDIS may consider funding for specific vision aids or devices. These could be magnifiers or adaptive technology for visual impairments.
It's essential to discuss individual circumstances with an NDIS planner or coordinator. They will help you determine eligibility and the scope of coverage.
NDIS funding policies and guidelines may change. It's recommended to check the official NDIS website. You can also consult directly with NDIS representatives for the most up-to-date information about funding coverage.
What Type of Assistive Technology and Equipment Does the NDIS Cover?
The NDIS covers a wide range of assistive technologies to support individuals with disabilities.
The specific assistive technologies funded by the NDIS can vary based on individual needs and circumstances. The scheme aims to provide support tailored to each person.
The NDIS covers:
- Home modifications (kitchen aids, rails, pressure mattresses, ramps, etc.)
- Communication aids (communication apps or speech-generating devices)
- Personal care aids (shower chairs, hoists, adaptive clothing, etc.)
- Sensory aids (hearing aids, magnifiers, or adaptive technology for visual impairments)
- Vehicle modifications
- Prosthetics and orthotics (prosthetic limbs, splints, orthopedic braces, etc.)
- Assistive technology for education
- Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, mobility scooters, etc.)
When it comes to sensory aids, the NDIS covers hearing and vision aids. Vision aids include screen readers, magnifiers, or Braille displays. But the funding does not cover prescription glasses.
All these supports must be deemed reasonable and necessary. To be covered, they must somehow aid the individual with their disability. This includes helping them complete everyday activities.
Visual Aids Covered by the NDIS
People with visual impairments can receive funding through the NDIS. This includes:
- People with low vision
- People who are legally blind
- People with progressive visual conditions (such as degenerative eye diseases)
The NDIS doesn't only consider visual impairment. They also look at the functional impact it has on the person's ability to perform daily activities.
If you are someone with a visual impairment, you may receive funding for:
- Screen reading software
- Screen magnification software
- Braille devices
- Magnifiers
- Talking devices
- Smartphones and tablets with accessibility features
- Electronic mobility aids
- Adaptive computer peripherals
The specific assistive technologies provided will be based on your needs and goals. They should be outlined in your NDIS plan.
Prescription glasses are not covered in your NDIS plan.
You should work closely with your NDIS provider to discuss your requirements and explore assistive technology options.
What Isn't Covered by the NDIS
The NDIS provides funding for a wide range of supports and services. But there are certain items and services that generally fall outside the scope of NDIS funding.
Some examples of what may not be covered include:
- Day-to-day living costs. NDIS does not cover ordinary living expenses. These include rent, groceries, utility bills, and other daily living costs.
- Medical and healthcare costs. Routine medical and healthcare costs are typically not covered by the NDIS. This includes doctor's visits, hospital stays, medications, and other healthcare-related expenses.
- Support not related to disability needs. Supports or services that are not directly related to a person's disability may not be funded. This also refers to supports that do not contribute to achieving the goals outlined in your NDIS plan.
- Education costs. NDIS generally does not cover regular education costs. For example, school fees, uniform expenses, or textbooks. But, it may cover specific disability-related supports within an educational context.
- Non-disability-related equipment. Items or equipment that are not directly related to the participant's disability may not be covered.
- Recreational and leisure activities. The NDIS supports participation in the community and recreational activities. But it may not cover the costs of purely recreational or leisure activities.
- Legal costs. Legal expenses, including legal representation or advice, are typically not covered by NDIS funding.
Specific inclusions and exclusions can vary. The NDIS also takes individual circumstances into account during the planning process.
Understanding NDIS Funding Coverage
If you are going to apply for NDIS funding, you should be aware of what is and what isn't covered. Many support services are funded by the NDIS as long as they are related to a specific disability.
When it comes to visual impairment, certain visual aids are covered by NDIS funding. But prescription glasses don't fall into that category. They are considered a general expense.
Inclusive Home Care is here for any questions you may have about NDIS funding. Feel free to reach out to us at any time.
