The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides different types of funding to help people with disabilities live more independently and achieve their goals. One key part of the NDIS is Capital Supports.
Unlike Core Supports (for everyday needs) or Capacity Building Supports (for skill development), Capital Supports are funding for future investments. This includes anything and everything that has a longer-term benefit, such as assistive technology, equipment, or home modifications.
This guide breaks down the two main categories of Capital Supports in simple terms, with detailed explanations, real-world examples, and how they can positively impact your life.
What Are Capital Supports?
Capital Supports are included in your NDIS plan when you need specialised equipment or items that require more funding, to support your independence, mobility, communication, or living arrangements. These are usually once-off or high-cost items or changes that require quotes and NDIA approval before purchase.
NDIS Capital Supports are split into two main categories:
- Assistive Technology (AT)
- Home Modifications (including Specialist Disability Accommodation or SDA)
Let’s break each one down.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Assistive Technology (often shortened to AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software, or system that helps a person with disability do something more easily, more safely, or more independently. It could be as simple as a modified fork or as complex as a powered wheelchair or eye-tracking communication device.
AT doesn’t stop at mobility support. It can support you with communication, self-care, learning, safety, and access to the community. Most AT will require quotes and assessments from allied health professionals like an occupational therapist or speech pathologist.
AT supports can include:
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Mobility aids:
Manual or powered wheelchairs, walking frames, mobility scooters, or standing frames to help you move around at home or in the community.
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Communication devices (AAC):
Speech-generating devices, tablets with communication apps, picture boards, or eye-gaze systems that allow you to express yourself if you are non-verbal or have speech difficulties.
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Daily living supports:
Shower chairs, specialised beds, adjustable tables, or adapted kitchen tools that make personal care and daily tasks safer and easier.
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Environmental controls and smart home tech:
Devices like voice-controlled lights, automated doors, or bed sensors that increase safety and independence in the home.
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Vision and hearing supports:
Screen readers, braille displays, hearing aids, or alerting devices (like vibrating smoke alarms) for people with sensory disabilities.
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Learning and cognitive supports:
Tools to assist with focus, memory, organisation, or learning. This can include apps that remind you of appointments or simplify communication.
How it’s categorised (NDIS AT levels):
The NDIS groups AT into four complexity levels to help determine what kind of approval and process is needed:
Level 1 – Basic (Low cost and low risk):
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- Items under $1,500
- Usually available at retail stores or online (e.g. weighted blankets, shower stools, non-slip mats)
- Often doesn’t require a quote or assessment
Level 2 – Standard (Low to moderate cost and risk):
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- Mid-range items such as basic walkers, simple communication apps, or bed rails
- May need written advice or support from a therapist, but not a full report
Level 3 – Specialised (Higher cost and risk):
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- Requires more customisation or specialised fitting (e.g. customised seating systems, communication devices)
- Needs assessment, written recommendations, and a formal quote
Level 4 – Complex (High cost and high risk):
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- Complex solutions such as power chairs, environmental control units, or pressure care beds
- Requires a detailed assessment, trial of the equipment, multiple quotes, and approval from the NDIA
Who it’s for:
Assistive Technology is for any NDIS participant who needs equipment or technology to overcome functional challenges caused by their disability. This includes support with:
- Moving around
- Talking or communicating
- Managing personal care
- Using the bathroom safely
- Controlling the home environment
- Accessing learning or work
- Connecting with the community
Experiencing AT With Achora
Our amazing participant, Sarah, lives with cerebral palsy and has limited movement in her arms and legs. Achora advocated for an AT budget in her NDIS plan, so she can receive a powered wheelchair for community access, a custom-built seating system for posture support, and a communication tablet that allows her to talk with her support workers using touch-based commands. These supports mean Sarah can go to local art classes, order her own coffee, and attend appointments more independently. She is thriving and we couldn’t be more proud!
Home Modifications
What Are NDIS Home Modifications:
Home Modifications (often referred to as “Home Mods”) are physical changes made to your home so that it better meets your individual needs and supports your independence, mobility, and safety.
If parts of your home are hard to access or unsafe due to your disability, the NDIS may fund changes to help you move around more freely and use essential spaces like the bathroom, kitchen, or front entry.
Home Mods can range from simple adjustments (like installing grab rails) to major renovations (such as completely redesigning a bathroom or entryway).
What Home Modifications In Your NDIS Plan Can Include:
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Widening doorways
So you can move through rooms comfortably with a wheelchair, walker or mobility aid.
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Installing ramps or handrails
To replace stairs or steep steps that prevent safe entry and exit from the home.
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Bathroom modifications
Such as removing step-in showers, installing hand-held shower heads, or creating roll-in, open-access layouts.
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Lowering benches and cupboards
To make kitchens and laundry spaces usable for someone seated or with limited reach and grip.
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Smart home features
Including voice-controlled lighting, automatic doors, or security systems for added independence and safety.
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Emergency or safety alarms
For participants with medical needs, sensory challenges, or who live alone and may need urgent assistance.
Note: The NDIS will only funds modifications to your primary residence (where you actually live). And, the home must be deemed suitable for modification (e.g. it’s structurally sound and not a short-term rental).
Who it’s for:
Home Modifications are typically approved for participants who:
- Have a physical disability or mobility limitation that affects access around the home
- Experience challenges in performing daily tasks safely (e.g. bathing, entering/exiting the home)
- Have functional assessments from an occupational therapist that clearly recommend modifications
- Have a home that is owned, rented, or managed in a way that allows modifications to take place (with landlord approval, where needed)
It’s also important that the modification is considered reasonable and necessary under the NDIS guidelines.
Accessing Home Modifications With Achora:
John recently sustained a spinal cord injury and now uses a wheelchair full-time. His front steps make it impossible to get in and out independently, and the bathroom is too small for safe transfers. When we connected with John we knew this had to change. His support coordination reached out to an occupational therapist to assess John. They built a functional report to provide the NDIS so John could receive the funding he needed to make accessibility and safety modifications to his home. John’s NDIS plan includes funding for:
- A new front ramp with handrails
- A widened front door with an automated opener
- A full bathroom redesign with a roll-in shower, lowered sink, and grab rails
These changes allow John to return home safely from hospital and regain his independence in daily living.
What Home Mods won’t cover:
The NDIS won’t fund:
- General home renovations unrelated to your disability (e.g. aesthetic upgrades or non-essential painting)
- Costs that would normally be paid by landlords, property owners, or tenants (like regular maintenance)
- Modifications to holiday homes, investment properties, or short-term rentals
The Benefits of Capital Supports
- Greater independence: Equipment and home changes allow you to do more for yourself
- Improved safety: Reduces the risk of accidents or injury
- Better quality of life: You can move around, communicate, or access your home with greater ease
- Supports long-term goals: Capital investments create lasting impact beyond day-to-day assistance
- Reduces reliance on others: Promotes confidence, autonomy, and choice
Get Capital Supports Funding In Your NDIS Plan With Achora
Capital Supports play a critical role in helping NDIS participants live with dignity, independence, and safety. Whether it’s assistive technology that allows you to communicate, or home modifications that give you full access to your space, these supports are life-changing.
If you think you might need Assistive Technology, Home Modifications, talk to your Support Coordinator or planner and make sure you have the right assessments in place.
Need help navigating Capital Supports? Contact a registered NDIS provider to get expert guidance and make sure you get the funding you need.
