Assistive Technology Assessments Adelaide

At Thrive Health Therapies, our Assistive Technology Assessments are collaborative, person-centred, and tailored to each individual’s goals, environment, and daily life. Our Adelaide-based allied health team works closely with clients, families, carers, support coordinators, and equipment suppliers to identify assistive technology solutions that improve independence, safety, mobility, comfort, communication, and participation.

Assistive technology assessments may involve occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech pathologists depending on the individual’s needs and the type of equipment being explored.

The process typically involves several stages.

Step 1: Initial Assistive Technology Assessment

• The process begins with a comprehensive assessment completed by a qualified therapist.

  During this stage, we aim to understand:

  • the individual’s goals and priorities

  • daily challenges and functional limitations

  • mobility, seating, communication, or self-care needs

  • current supports and equipment

  • home, school, workplace, or community environments

  • NDIS goals and funding requirements (if applicable)

  Our therapists may assess:

  • mobility and transfers

  • posture and pressure care

  • communication abilities

  • sensory processing

  • fatigue and endurance

  • cognitive functioning

  • safety risks

  • accessibility within the home or community

  Where possible, assessments are completed in real-world environments such as the home, school, supported accommodation setting, workplace, or community to ensure recommendations are practical and functional.

  Following the assessment, the therapist may recommend trialling specific assistive technology solutions that align with the individual’s needs and goals.

Step 2: Assistive Technology Trials & Supplier Collaboration

If appropriate, the therapist will work collaboratively with trusted assistive technology suppliers to organise equipment trials.

This stage may involve:

• trialling wheelchairs, mobility aids, communication devices, seating systems, or daily living equipment

• comparing different equipment options

• assessing comfort, function, safety, and usability

• completing trials within functional environments

• gathering feedback from the individual, family, carers, and support team

Trials are particularly important for:

• wheelchairs

• complex seating systems

• pressure care equipment

• augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices

• mobility aids

• complex assistive technology funded through the NDIS

Our therapists provide clinical guidance throughout the process to help ensure the selected assistive technology meets the individual’s functional needs and aligns with NDIS “reasonable and necessary” criteria where funding is required.

Step 3: Equipment Selection & Clinical Recommendations

Following assessment and equipment trials, the therapist assists the individual in selecting the most appropriate assistive technology solution.

This process may include:

• equipment recommendations

• supplier liaison

• obtaining quotations

• reviewing product specifications

• assessing long-term suitability

• considering safety, durability, and future needs

Where NDIS funding is required, the therapist prepares a detailed clinical justification report outlining:

• assessment findings

• functional impact of the disability

• goals and expected outcomes

• trial results

• evidence supporting the recommendation

• how the assistive technology will improve independence, safety, participation, or quality of life

We have experience supporting both standard and complex NDIS assistive technology applications.

Step 4: Equipment Delivery, Setup & Education

Once funding approval has been received, the assistive technology is ordered, delivered, and set up for the individual.

At this stage:

• final fittings or adjustments may occur

• re-measurements may be completed if required

• therapists ensure the equipment is fitted safely and correctly

• education and training are provided to the individual and their support network

This may include guidance on:

• safe use of the equipment

• transfers and positioning

• maintenance and care

• pressure management

• communication device setup

• integrating the equipment into daily routines

Our therapists can also provide ongoing support following delivery to ensure the equipment continues to meet the individual’s needs.

Step 5: Ongoing Review & Reassessment

Assistive technology needs can change over time as a person’s condition, goals, environment, or functional abilities evolve.

Regular reviews help ensure the equipment continues to:

• support independence and participation

• remain safe and effective

• fit correctly and function optimally

• meet changing physical or environmental needs

This may involve:

• equipment adjustments or modifications

• replacement recommendations

• updated assistive technology assessments

• reassessment for new equipment

• updated NDIS reports and applications

At Thrive Health Therapies, we are committed to helping individuals across Adelaide access assistive technology that meaningfully improves everyday life, comfort, mobility, communication, and participation.