Sensory Equipment Guidelines Update

29 Jan 2025

NDIS News

The Sensory Equipment guidelines page on the NDIS website has recently been updated, with the most significant change being the addition of new criteria. It's clear that sensory equipment must be specifically requested, approved, and included in a participant's plan before purchasing it. 


The previous way of providing a support letter from an allied health professional to back the purchase of an item is now outdated. An NDIS delegate must approve items/Supports before purchases can be made. Supporting letters are still helpful for a delegate in making decisions but are no longer a way of justifying a purchase.

This marks a shift in the NDIA's approach, indicating a more defined stance on what can and cannot be funded in this area. Simply purchasing items from a disability-specific store no longer guarantees they will be covered by NDIS funding.

Here's a breakdown of the key updates we've identified!


What's Out!

The NDIA has clarified that standard indoor or outdoor play equipment items are not considered NDIS supports. This includes common sensory items like balls, fidgets, trampolines, and swing sets, as these are regarded as everyday household items commonly found in Australian homes.


What the NDIA is Now Looking For!?

The agency has outlined what they consider when determining if sensory equipment is an appropriate use of NDIS funding. The equipment must:

• Assist with personal care and safety.

• Help with completing household tasks.

• Be an evidence-based support that helps a child achieve better long-term functional outcomes.


Requesting Sensory Equipment

Gone are the days of sending in an invoice for reimbursement to the plan manager with a letter of support from an allied health practitioner. Unfortunately, now this process has changed, and you risk being denied reimbursement if you purchase an item before you have confirmation that it is an NDIS support.

The need for supporting documentation is still relevant. However, it is the responsibility of an NDIS delegate to make a decision on an item being appropriate to use of funding or not. This means, instead of making a purchase, you should first obtain evidence to send directly to a delegate. Your "NDIS contact" (Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood Partner) can support you in making the request.

When making a request, you must provide evidence from an allied health professional to support your request for sensory equipment to be included in the plan. This evidence must clearly explain how the requested equipment will help you with personal care and safety, to do household tasks, or to achieve better long-term outcomes if you are a child.


The agency will consider funding equipment if it shows it:?

• is related to your disability support needs

• is an evidence-based support

• is value for money compared with other supports

• is effective and beneficial

• is safe and will not cause harm to you or others

• is the most appropriate support for you, or if there are other supports that would achieve the same or a better result.


Early conversations make life easier!

Having a conversation with your Early Childhood Partner or Local Area Coordinator about sensory equipment while planning your first NDIS plan, planning for a reassessment or planning for renewal when your current plan is coming up to its end date is crucial. Have these conversations early so you can include reports from your allied health professionals to support your request to have sensory items included in your next plan. This can avoid potential hold-ups mid-plan if you decide to make a request for an item.