Top tips for NDIS powerchair plan

The NDIS is a complex system to navigate, but it’s a valuable tool that supports so many wheelchair users.

We’ve looked at some of the great tips for compiling your NDIS plan. You might even be able to use these to help you articulate why you believe a powered wheelchair might be right for you!

What would having a new or upgraded powerchair mean for you?

Tip 1:

Your NDIS plan is for you and your needs. So it’s important to make sure you clearly tell your Local Area Coordinator everything about who you are and what your life goals are all about.

The NDIA’s vision in Assistive Technology is to “build an empowering, sustainable and consistent approach to ensure National Disability Insurance Scheme participants have a choice in, and access to, individualised assistive technology solutions that enable and enhance their economic and community participation.”

Tip 2:

When preparing for your plan it is important to understand the way the NDIS allocates funds. Your budget will be split into 3 main categories – Core, Capital and Capacity Building. Your future powerchair will be funded through the Capital category, the category that covers equipment and materials.

Mark Brown needs a powerchair to live a fulfilled life. Through his NDIS plan, Mark Brown has been able to demonstrate that Magic Mobility’s Frontier V6 All Terrain will meet his needs, goals and aspirations. There are many factors you need to consider when putting together your NDIS plan, especially given that a powerchair falls into the Level 4 (complex) category of funding.

“You need to consider so many things with a powerchair,” says Mark. “There’s the functionality. Is it going to go as fast as you want? Is it going to be able to tackle the terrain where you live?”

Tip 3:

To complete your plan properly you will need to know what kind of Assistive Technology you need, how it links to your goals and whether there might be any cost savings that a powered wheelchair might provide. For example, the lift function on your new Magic Mobility might mean that you need fewer carer hours or your home may need less remodelling.

Securing a powerchair can be achieved through your NDIS plan.

The NDIS does support complex AT solutions such as Magic Mobility all-terrain powerchairs. These can be purchased with specifications taking into account the unique needs of the person. Mark’s own chair has been accommodated to suit his body’s requirements.

“A powerchair is so personal. There are so many considerations to get the chair right,”

“Power leg rest elevation is important to me because my legs get uncomfortable in the same position. I need to get the circulation flowing. My Magic Mobility powerchair is funded to have the power leg elevation option.”

Because of the complexities of Mark’s needs, his plan required an AT assessment. This helped the NDIA work out what forms of AT were critical to Mark, and they determined that the Magic Mobility Frontier V6 All Terrain with suitable modifications gave him the independence he needs.

Tip 4:

When writing your plan, Mark advises that it’s of utmost importance to have a good therapist to support you. A therapist with expertise in the kind of Assistive Technology you need and in prescribing the kind of Technology you need. They preferably also have deep experience in your specific kind of disability.

“Surround yourself with people who know you, and who can help you navigate yourself into the chair you need,” Mark said.

Want to trial a Magic Mobility to see which one is right for you? Get in touch today!