provider/ndis participant eligibility delivery of... · web viewassistive technology, home...

Audiology Australia Ltd Suite 101, 13 Cremorne Street, Cremorne, 3121 P: 03 9940 3900 E: [email protected] W: www.audiology.asn.au

Delivery of Hearing Services in the National Disability Insurance Scheme – arrangements from 1 July 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

Provider/NDIS participant eligibilityWhat are the differences between the registration categories “specialised hearing services” and “hearing services”? Hearing Services is recommended for the delivery of audiometry and audiological services that are not covered by Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) or Hearing Services Program (HSP).Specialised Hearing Services is recommended for the delivery of specialist audiological services for participants deemed to have a profound hearing loss and/or an implantable device or additional communication needs.Specialised Hearing Services are considered when:

• the participant has a profound hearing loss - Three-frequency average of 80dB or worse in the better ear

• the participant uses an implantable device • the participant has hearing loss and severe communication impairment

which:prevents the person from communicating effectively in his or her daily environment such as significant visual impairment oris caused or aggravated by significant physical, intellectual, mental, emotional or social disability or mobility issues such as after a stroke.

Can private providers see “specialised hearing services” clients? Where hearing services are included in a participant’s NDIS plan, any qualified provider can deliver these services.What happens if NDIS participants have the choice to stay with their current provider but are flagged as “complex”? Where a NDIS participant is eligible for the hearing services through the HSP, those services will not be funded under the NDIS. Where an NDIS participant is considered to have complex hearing or communication needs AND they are not eligible for the HSP, these supports will be funded through the participant’s NDIS plan and they will choose the provider they wish to supply those services.Additional supports that are not available to a participant through the HSP can be included in their NDIS plan where those supports are considered reasonable and necessary

mailto:[email protected]


The cost of hearing services and devices is found in the NDIS Price Guide 2020-2021 and the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide.When is a client eligible for the HSP voucher under the NDIS?There is no change to the eligibility for HSP.It is the in-kind arrangement that has ceased and therefore NDIS participant is no longer an eligibility category for the HSP.When is a client eligible only for NDIS funding? What are the criteria that need to be met? What is the minimum on an audiogram plus functionality? The NDIS Operational Guidelines indicate that the NDIS will generally be satisfied that hearing impairments equal to or greater than 65 decibels, in the better ear, are likely to constitute substantially reduced functional capacity to undertake activities in relevant life skill areas. The intended use of this audiometric criteria is to provide guidance on those who clearly meet the disability criteria. It is not intended to preclude people who do not meet the audiometric criteria, who are able to demonstrate that their hearing impairment results in substantially reduced functional capacity to undertake relevant activities. Where the person has hearing loss less than 65 decibels, the NDIA will consider all the evidence provided and, when required, request further evidence to determine if the person meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act 2013). The NDIA will seek to understand the impairment/s that arise from the person’s condition, how this impacts their ability to carry out everyday tasks, and whether these impacts are likely to be lifelong. In order to meet the eligibility criteria, the evidence provided by the person must demonstrate that they are usually unable to function without support for most activities in at least one of the following six life skill areas as a result of their impairment:

• Communication• Social interaction • Learning • Mobility • Self-care • Self-management

The National Access team is happy, with the appropriate consent from the individual(s), to look into any particular examples of decisions where it has been felt that access has been precluded due to decibel readings.

https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/housing-and-living-supports-and-services/providing-assistive-technology#Atcodeguide


https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing



What happens if participants are referred to the HSP when they are not eligible?The in-kind arrangement with the Department of Health to provide hearing supports to NDIS participant ceased on 30 June 2020. New guidance and resources have been provided to the NDIA’s network of planners and partners and the NDIA will continue to seek feedback internally and externally to refine our information. This will assist the NDIA to continually strengthen and improve its practice guidance to ensure NDIS participants are being provided with accurate information. Participants and providers can contact [email protected] or call the contact centre on 1800 800 110 if they have specific issues that need a resolution.What happens if there is confusion for eligible HSP participants about their choices and whether they can access NDIA, to what extent and for what?The access requirements for the NDIS remain the same regardless of whether a person is eligible for the HSP.A person can access the HSP and the NDIS if they meet the eligibility requirements of both programs. Where a support is available to a participant through the HSP, equivalent supports will not be funded by the NDIS. Additional reasonable and necessary supports can be funded by the NDIS based on the individual’s support needs.

Access for NDIS participants After the access request form (with an audiogram) has been completed, at what point does the NDIS participant need to sign the service agreement with a provider? A service agreement is not required until a participant has an NDIS plan and is engaging with a provider to deliver the supports funded in that plan and is ready to commence a service booking.When a client applies for access and completes an access request form (ARF), should they provide a Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology Assessment Template Form as part of the ARF supporting documents? Or should this be submitted following an access met decision and the participant progresses to pre-planning?The NDIS Access and Planning processes are separate. The access process is about determining a person’s eligibility for the scheme including age, residence and substantially reduced function (or benefit from early intervention).The planning process is about determining the reasonable and necessary supports required by the participant relating to their goals.

https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/connecting-participants/managing-service-bookings

https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/connecting-participants/service-agreements



While a person may be eligible for the NDIS, they may not be eligible to receive funding for hearing supports if those supports are available to the participant under another general services system (e.g. HSP).Time spent completing the Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology Assessment Template cannot be claimed retrospectively from a participant’s plan. It may be included in plans e.g. to establish baseline need or support plan review points.What happens if a participant fills out the intake form, signed and filled out by the Audiologist, but are rejected when they do not have a report, despite the form not asking for a report?Each application made to access the NDIS is assessed on its own merits based on evidence provided by the applicant.If the Access Request Form is completed by an Audiologist and provides sufficient information to determine if the person meets the NDIS access eligibility criteria, further information, such as an audiology report and audiogram, would not be required to make an access decision. If the evidence is insufficient to make a decision, an NDIA representative will contact the person and request further information. Generally, an audiology report and audiogram helps the NDIA to clarify the person’s hearing status and if available, this information should be provided to support the access request.What happens if participants are rejected despite having a hearing impairment with a significant functional impact as they do not have hearing loss 65dB or greater?The NDIS Operational Guidelines indicate that the NDIS will generally be satisfied that hearing impairments equal to or greater than 65 decibels in the better ear are likely constitute substantially reduced functional capacity to undertake activities in relevant life skill areas. The intended use of this audiometric criteria is to provide guidance on those who clearly meet the disability criteria. It is not intended to preclude people who do not meet the audiometric criteria, who are able to demonstrate that their hearing impairment results in substantially reduced functional capacity to undertake relevant activities. Where the person has a hearing loss less than 65 decibels, the NDIA will consider all the evidence provided and, when required, request further evidence to determine if the person meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act 2013).The NDIA will seek to understand the impairment/s that arise from the person’s condition, how this impacts their ability to carry out everyday tasks, and whether these impacts are likely to be lifelong. In order to meet the eligibility criteria, the evidence provided by the person must demonstrate that they are usually unable


to function without support for most activities in at least one of the following six life skill areas as a result of their impairment:

• Communication• Social interaction • Learning • Mobility • Self-care • Self-management

The National Access team is happy, with the appropriate consent from the individual(s), to look into any particular examples of decisions where it has been felt that access has been precluded due to decibel readings.What happens if participants have the non-hearing aid aspect of their plan approved but the hearing aids are not approved, despite the need for the assistive technology to link to a hearing aid to be able to work?If the participant is able to access supports under the HSP, equivalent supports will not be funded by the NDIS. If a request for hearing aids is not approved, the participant can request an internal review of that decision. It may be more appropriate to provide hearing devices that meet the pricing set by NDIA.

Access for NDIS participants with ASDThere have been cases where participants with ASD who have submitted Assistive Technology forms for FM have had their forms rejected by the Hearing Specialist Team. Are there members of the Hearing Specialist Team who have experience working with participants with ASD?The NDIA does not have a ‘Hearing Specialist Team’. There is a Technical Advisory Branch that delegates can obtain supports from to assist them to make a reasonable and necessary decision about supports to include in a participant’s plan.Requests for remote microphone systems for participants with a diagnosis of ASD will be considered on an individual basis, considering available evidence, including evidence/recommendations from the team of therapist who provide early intervention/therapy supports for the participant. The delegate will also determine whether the recommended support is considered to be ‘reasonable and necessary’ by applying the NDIS legislation. To inform this decision delegates can seek support from the Specialist Advisory teams within the agency. The team is made up of multidisciplinary staff with qualifications in Allied Health, including audiologists who have paediatric and adult rehabilitation experience.


Participants and providers can contact [email protected] if or call the contact centre on 1800 800 110 if they have specific issues that need a resolution.What happens if participants with ASD are approved for FM devices but then are unapproved due to changes to the hearing part of NDIS?The NDIA apologises for any confusion that may have been caused when the approach to transitioning the Hearing Services Program to the NDIS changed in May 2020. This should not have affected participants with ASD (who have no evidence of a permanent hearing loss), as this cohort of people would not be eligible for the Hearing Services Program.Participants and providers can contact [email protected] if or call the contact centre on 1800 800 110 if they have specific issues that need a resolution.

Process for ParticipantsWhat happens if participants are referred to Hearing Australia by LACs, but they have an established relationship with another audiologist? If a participant that is eligible for hearing supports under the HSP chooses to access a private provider, they will need to self-fund.What happens if participants are having their plans reviewed by a tribunal and, if needed, an ombudsman, and are without their supports/devices until the process is over?If a participant is not satisfied with a decision made by the NDIA that is considered a reviewable decision, they have the right to request an internal review of that decision.An internal review of the decision will be conducted by a delegate that was not involved in the original decision.If the participant is still not satisfied with the decision after the internal review, they can take the matter to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The time frame for an internal review has significantly improved over the last 12 months.How will the NDIA safeguard participants to ensure that the supports they are receiving is as intended?The NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission has been heavily involved in implementing the NDIS Hearing Services from 1 July 2020 and will be monitoring the provision of NDIS funded supports to ensure providers are delivering the supports as intended.

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/how-review-planning-decision




Process for ProvidersWhat happens if providers cannot afford to do the testing and administration required to complete the access form on the basis that it may get rejected and they lose too much clinical time to make the service viable?The NDIA does not request providers to complete the Assessment Template for the access process. Where the NDIA has requested an assessment, audiologists claim time through the Capacity Building Daily budget for time spent completing required forms. Note this should be done in consultation with the participant so they are aware that funds will be claimed in this budget line. As with all NDIS participants, the NDIA recommends that a service agreement is completed prior to the service being provided to outline the hours planned for assessment and administration. An example of a service agreement is available here.Will the NDIA fund the trial time of hearing aids? Will providers’ costs be covered to complete trials, testing and provision of documentation?In relation to trials of hearing aids, manufacturers provide devices free of charge for trial and it would be expected that providers enter into discussions with their suppliers to seek devices for trial. In regard to the audiologist’s time spent with the participant during the trialling of a range of devices, hours can be claimed from Capacity Building Daily Activity Budget line.Note this should be done in consultation with the participant so the participant is aware that funds will be claimed in this budget line. The NDIA recommends that a service agreement is completed prior to the service being provided, the agreement should outline the hours planned for assessment and administration. Participants and providers can contact [email protected] if or call the contact centre on 1800 800 110 if they have specific issues that need a resolution.What happens if LAC’s won’t engage with providers to answer questions on how to support participants?If you have information that indicates this is occurring more often in a particular area, please advise the NDIA as they may be able to target some specific messaging for the local NDIA office and Partner organisation. NDIA’s Partners in the Community have access to the same practice guidance and resources as service delivery staff. The focus of Partners is to support participants directly by empowering them to seek information for themselves other than in exceptional circumstance. Partners also need to be mindful of maintain privacy for participant information unless there is express consent recorded on the participants record to share information with a third party.




Participants and providers can contact [email protected] or call the contact centre on 1800 800 110 if they have specific issues that need a resolution.What should I do if participants are being told by LACs that they must see Hearing Australia and receive written information to approach Hearing Australia when they do not qualify?If you have information that indicates this is occurring more often in a particular area, please advise the NDIA as they may be able to target some specific messaging for the local NDIA office and Partner organisation.Participants and providers can contact [email protected] or call the contact centre on 1800 800 110 if they have specific issues that need a resolution.There are no technical specifications for each level of hearing devices. What happens if a provider calls a model of hearing aid “advanced” but is providing a lower model than another provider?The NDIA will be monitoring the use of these items and will adjust accordingly. The NDIS Quality and Safeguard commission will also monitor the provision of supports to ensure participants are getting the support as intended. As per the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide, the current specifications for the hearing aids are:

Standard level hearing device

05_220615111_0122_1_2 An electronic instrument that provides amplification to individuals with a hearing loss (OSPL90 >= 128 dBSPL) IEC RTF 1600 Hz. Includes 10+ channels, feedback management, adaptive noise control, option to add telecoil, directional microphone, and minimum bandwidth of 8kHz.

Intermediate level hearing device

05_220615211_0122_1_2 An electronic instrument that provides amplification to individuals with a hearing loss and provides increased functions over and above what can be met with standard level devices. May include speech enhancement, sound management, ear to ear technology, and volume controls.

Advanced level hearing device

05_220615511_0122_1_2 An electronic instrument that provides amplification to individuals with a hearing loss and provides increased functions over and above what can be met with intermediate level devices. May include one or more of the following features; 24+ channels, tinnitus reduction, smartphone




connectivity, automatic programming, wireless, compatibility with accessories, remote programming.

Non-Standard Hearing device

05_220618111_0122_1_2 A device that offers specific technology to meet a particular functional requirement, which cannot be met by a Standard, Intermediate or Advanced hearing device.

Is the price set for hearing devices sufficient? The NDIA Pricing Reference Unit set the prices for hearing devices based on market research and information about the cost of manufacture. There is evidence that the prices set for the technology level of each device is sufficient.It is also determined that the level of technology available within these three levels will adequately meet the reasonable and necessary criteria under the NDIS Act 2013 and address the functional impact of a participant’s hearing loss. It appears that the levels of hearing devices correlate to the levels that Hearing Australia has for CSO participants. Is this the case?The levels of technology were determined based on the features that are expected to address the functional impact of a person’s hearing loss and they do correlate with devices provided under the HSP to some extent.The Standard Level Hearing Device is equivalent to a device available under the voucher component of the HSP, the Advanced level hearing device is equivalent to a device available through the CSO component of the HSP. In exceptional circumstances, a non-standard device may be considered reasonable and necessary where an individual’s circumstances required additional features that are not available from the advanced level device.

Hearing Devices Assessment Template reportAt what stage should the AT form be completed?It is expected the hearing assessment template is completed when requesting new hearing devices for a participant, for first time devices users, for replacement or refitting of the device. Please note the whole form does not need to be completed for each application, only the relevant sections should be filled out.At what stage are audiologists meant to complete the Hearing Devices AT template? Is it before or after the planner? Planners require information and evidence be able to make a reasonable and necessary funding decision. For example, if the planner and participant does not


know the age of the current device, then the planner will not know that the device is eligible for replacement. Without device trials the planner cannot determine if the device will be effective and beneficial for the participant. Ideally the assessment should be made available prior to the plan review appointment.Are audiologists paid for completing the Hearing Devices AT template report? What funding category/support code should be used? When a support is not provided directly (for example, Non-Face-to-Face Support Provision or NDIA Requested Reports) then the price limit that applies to the support is the price limit that would apply if the participant was receiving the support at the place that the person who is delivering the support is located at the time of service delivery.Audiologists are able to claim from the following lines for time taken to complete the assessment template. Note this should be done in consultation with the participant so the participant is aware that funds will be claimed in this budget line. We recommend that a service agreement is completed prior to the service being provided, the agreement should outline the hours planned for assessment and administration.

15_501_0119_1_3 specialised hearing services15_502_0134_1_3 hearing services by an audiologist

These support items provide for hearing services not covered under the MBS performed by a suitably qualified Audiologist. These support items can be delivered to individual participants subject to the rules set out in the NDIS Price Guide. As well as direct service provision, these support items can be used to claim for:

· Non-Face-to-Face Support Provision· Provider Travel· Short Notice Cancellations· NDIA Requested Reports.

Further information is provided in the document on the NDIS website, titled Price Guide 2020-2021.If a client returns with a HSP voucher but no other funding for hearing devices allocated by the planner, should the audiologist complete the Hearing Devices AT template after the assessment (#600) claim and return this to the planner to consider all hearing supports/devices needed?If a NDIS participant is eligible for the HSP, supports that are available under that program will not be funded by the NDIS.A Hearing Devices AT template is not required for supports available through the HSP.


Participants who received a HSP voucher issued through the NDIS prior to 30 June 2020 can choose to use their voucher until it expires but will not receive additional funding from the NDIS for supports that are available through the HSP. These participants can choose to cancel their voucher in which case the NDIS may fund hearing devices as deemed reasonable and necessary by an NDIS delegate.The AT hearing template only needs to be completed for participants where the support is not available to them through the HSP – i.e. speech processor replacements for NDIS participants 26 years and over.Request for low cost assistive technology, tv streamer, phone clips under $500 and wireless remote micro phones under $500, do not require the AT form to be complete and participants can claim for these items from their standard/core AT budget. The Hearing Devices and Technology Assessment Template requires providers of hearing services to trial hearing devices and evaluate them after they are worn for a sufficient time. What happens if the participant loses or damages the devices whilst they are on trial? Who is responsible for any costs of repair or replacement?There would be a formal agreement or arrangement between the supplier and the provider that may include their business insurance. Does every option/device being evaluated require the client to be wearing the technology for a period of days/weeks, or can time be saved by comparing an alternative option in a clinical test set up and doing paired comparisons? This issue would arise only if higher level technologies were being recommended. If a premium level device is being recommended, then it would be expected that a robust trial of lower level technology including trials in community settings. When considering the lower two levels of technology, an “in-clinic” comparison may be adequate. For hearing aids recommendations above this level, it is expected more robust trials are completed including in community settings with remote microphones. What other types of objective evidence might be considered where speech test results are difficult to obtain due to degree of hearing loss or language barriers? In regard to speech testing when it is not possible (e.g. language barriers or profound loss) then best practice clinical judgement is appropriate. It would be helpful for assessors to indicate if the device being recommended is for sound awareness or verbal communication.


Is there any transparency around who will be evaluating these templates and is it possible to enter into a direct dialogue with them if required?Planners are provided with support, tools and training to assist with making reasonable and necessary decisions. For requests of higher level of technology, planners have access to internal Agency subject matter experts to assist.Assessors can contact Delegates and vice versa to obtain additional information.

Supports provided under HSP/NDIS fundingWhen a client is eligible for both the HSP and NDIS, does this mean that they will only receive the voucher funding, and no other funding for other accessories or assistive listening devices can be claimed? Can additional funds be obtained under the NDIA for accessories for clients with HSP vouchers?Where a support is available to the participant through the HSP, equivalent supports will not be funded under the NDIS. NDIS will consider reasonable and necessary supports where these supports are not available under the HSP (i.e. smoke detectors, assistive listening devices etc).When a client has NDIS funds only what can be provided to them? The purpose of the funding in a plan will be detailed in the plan and relate to the participant’s goals.As with all participants, it is recommended that a service agreement is completed prior to the service being provided to outline the hours/service to be delivered. An example of a service agreement is provided here.

Pricing/Support itemsThe caps behind the scenes are limited and audiologists only find out once they have submitted a payment request. How do you know the caps on different items?The cost of hearing services and devices is found in the NDIS Price Guide 2020-2021 and the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide.Where the support is a quotable item, funding will not be available in the participants plan until a quote has been received and approved.Supports should not be provided until a service booking and service agreement are in place.







Additional information on service agreements is available here. Information on service bookings is available here.Several support items are duplicated on the service bookings which results in payment requests rejected and confusion for the provider and participants. Is there a way this can be addressed? The NDIA will continue to monitor the situation and make further improvements as necessary.There seems to be inconsistencies in payments for the Roger device. Can it be categorised as a therapy device and be part of the funding for therapy services provided?Roger devices are NOT Level 1 or 2 AT.CSO participants under 26 through HSP and Adults over 26 who are eligible for CSO are also able to receive a roger device through the HSP.Where assessors are recommending the Phonak roger system, the hearing assessment template may be completed to justify why a lower cost remote that is already compatible with the participant’s current hearing aids is not suitable. If the Assessment template is not completed, then clear written justifications should accompany the recommendation.When would Audiologists use 15_501_0119_1_3 audiologist hearing services versus 15_502_0134_1_3 audiologist hearing services? Are these support items to be used for supports, cancellation, non-face to face supports such as teleaudiology?Audiologists are able to provide Hearing Services (registration group 0134) and Specialist Hearing Services (registration group 0119). The cost of these supports is the same when provided by an Audiologist. Where it is considered that the participant has complex hearing or communication needs (and the participant is not eligible for the HSP), Specialist Hearing Services will be included in the NDIS plan. Where Hearing services are included in a NDIS plan under registration group 0134, the support can be provided by either an Audiologist or an Audiometrist.As per the NDIS price guide 2020-21:

Hearing SupportsThese support items provide for hearing services not covered under the MBS performed by a suitably qualified Audiologist or Audiometrist.These support items can be delivered to individual participants subject to the rules set out in this Price Guide. As well as direct service provision, these support items can be used to claim for

• Non-Face-to-Face Support Provision

https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing#ndis-price-guide-2020-21

https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/connecting-participants/managing-service-bookings



• Provider Travel• Short Notice Cancellations• NDIA Requested Reports.

Providers of this support can also claim for the costs of:• Provider Travel - Non-Labour Costs using support item

15_799_0119_1_3 or 15_799_0134_1_3, depending on their Registration Group.

These support items are subject to price limits.Price Limits

Item Number Item Name and Notes UnitNSWVICQLDACT

WASA

TASNT

Remote Very Remote

15_501_0119_1_3 Audiologist hearing services Hour $193.99 $193.99 $271.59 $290.99

15_502_0134_1_3 Audiologist hearing services Hour $193.99 $193.99 $271.59 $290.99

15_503_0134_1_3 Audiometrist hearing services Hour $166.83 $166.83 $233.56 $250.25

Is the 0134 Hearing Services able to be used for any hearing appointments (i.e. consultation appointments, fitting appointments, discussion appointments)?As per the above response, where the funding has been included in the plan and the service being provided is not available to the participant through the HSP or covered under the MBS.How many times can 0134 Hearing services code be used? Is there a limit or is it capped at the amount that is in the participant’s fund plan?If Hearing Services or Specialist Hearing Services are included in the plan, the total funding available or the hours included should be detailed in the plan. It is important to note that there may be other capacity building supports included in the plan for a different purpose so a service booking will need to be created for each of these capacity building supports.Is the support code 05_220621111_0119_1_2 for Specialised Hearing Services (Equipment Special Assessment Setup) - Cochlear Implant Speech Processor and Coil - CSO - AH Only (In Kind) still in operation? NDIS registered providers cannot use in-kind support items.These have been decommissioned but are still listed until the plans that include these supports have reached their end-date.All Hearing devices are now within the 0122 registration group. The NDIA is re-establishing a code for replacement processors for implanted devices from 5 August. The new code is: “External speech processor and accessories for implanted hearing devices 05_220621211_0122_1_2”.


Do the NDIA support code items provide for custom earplugs?If it is either a necessary component of the device itself or fundable through Low Cost AT funding.N.B. Providers need to be familiar with the NDIA published “Assistive Technology, Home Modifications & Consumables Code Guide”. This covers a range of assistive technology and includes guidance on claiming, particularly for low cost AT and for repairs.Do the NDIA support code items provide for alarm, doorbell alert and phone alert?Refer to section 5.2.5 of the AT, HM & Consumables Code Guide.Do the NDIA support code items provide for Naida Link, AB SP (CIs), MedEl SPs (for BAHAs/ Sound bridges/ bone bridges and CIs) and Cochlear SPs – (BAHA and for CIs)? The NDIA is re-establishing a code for replacement processors for implanted devices from 5 August. The new code is: “External speech processor and accessories for implanted hearing devices 05_220621211_0122_1_2”. This item is quotable and also includes speech processors for bone anchored devicesWhere an NDIS participant has an implantable device, specialist hearing services will be included in their NDIS plan where these services are not available to the participant through the HSP. Where an NDIS participant is aged 26 or over and their speech processor has reached the end of its service life or is unrepairable, a recommendation and quote should be provided to the NDIS for consideration.Do the NDIA support code items provide for hearing aid chargers for accessories and rechargeable hearing aids and maintenance?Generally, these are either supplied as standard with the original hearing device or can be purchased using Low Cost AT funding.Providers need to be familiar with the NDIA published “Assistive Technology, Home Modifications & Consumables Code Guide”. This covers a range of assistive technology and includes guidance on claiming, particularly for low cost AT and for repairs.Do the NDIA support code items provide for ongoing costs for ear moulds?This is usually fundable through Low Cost AT funding.Providers need to be familiar with the NDIA published “Assistive Technology, Home Modifications & Consumables Code Guide”. This covers a range of assistive technology and includes guidance on claiming, particularly for low cost AT and for repairs.


Useful links to further informationHow the NDIS worksThe NDIA does not expect a provider to be working through the access, planning or review process with a participant unless they are funded to do that i.e. support coordination. Information to support a potential participant’s access request can be up to 5 years old depending on the type of information and the person’s disability therefore, for a person with a permanent disability, this information may be obtained from existing records held by an allied health professional, GP or Specialist. A provider may be asked to provide information about supports that have been funded or to conduct an assessment. If the Agency asks for an assessment, funding for this will be included in the participant’s NDIS plan.https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/how-ndis-worksHearing supportshttps://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/ndis-and-other-government-services/hearing-supportsAccessThe NDIS participant pathway begins with an access request. This access request needs to provide evidence of age, residency, permanence of disability or likely benefit of early intervention and significant functional impact on one of the areas as per question 2 (below). https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-applyPlanningOnce access to the scheme is gained, generally a participant will meet with a Planner or a Community Partner, either Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Early Childhood Partner (EC Partner) and have a pre-planning or planning conversation. This is where the participant will discuss their goals and support needs. Based on this conversation and any other information provided, an NDIS plan is developed and provided to the participant. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-planImplementing a planOnce this is complete, the participant will be supported by either a Community Partner or a Support Coordinator to choose support providers, create services booking and link with mainstream, community and informal supports.https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan

https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply

https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/ndis-and-other-government-services/hearing-supports

https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/ndis-and-other-government-services/hearing-supports

https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/how-ndis-works


Plan reviewsWhen the plan is developed, it will provide information about when a plan review will occur. During the plan review, the previous goals can be re-visited along with the outcome of any capacity building supports and any ongoing support or adjustments to existing supports that may be required.https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/reviewing-your-plan-and-goalsAssistive Technology and SupportsIf the NDIA has requested any assessments for the provision of capacity building supports, assistive technology or home and vehicle modifications, the Community Partner or Support Coordinator can assist with a referral to an assessor (usually and allied health professional).https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-equipment-and-supportsWhere an assessment is requested, any recommendations received will still need to be assessed by a delegate to determine if the support is reasonable and necessary https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supportsFor queries or support for providers related to Assistive Technologyhttps://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-equipment-and-supports/assistive-technology-explained/contacts-assistive-technology-and-home-modifications

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-equipment-and-supports/assistive-technology-explained/contacts-assistive-technology-and-home-modifications

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-equipment-and-supports/assistive-technology-explained/contacts-assistive-technology-and-home-modifications

https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports

https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-equipment-and-supports

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/reviewing-your-plan-and-goals

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