Speak Out August 2020 DIGITAL EDITION

in practice

advice before the participant makes a purchase. Low cost AT items can be purchased using the consumables support category in the core support budget. The core support budget is flexible – so if participants don’t have enough money in the consumables support category, they can use funding allocated to other support categories. Participants who are self-managing their plan and have funds in their core support budget, can purchase low cost AT items, and add the written advice to their participant information section, and should also keep a copy in case the Agency requests it at a later date. Plan managed participants: The plan manager, provider, or family would be able to purchase the item/s and then apply for reimbursement through the plan manager, or NDIA portal if they are a plan manager. The plan manager needs to send the written confirmation (a letter or email with the necessary details) to enquiries@ndis.gov.au with subject “Low cost AT flexibility evidence” before they process a payment claim with the NDIA. Agency-managed participants: Must purchase through a registered NDIS provider (this could include a therapy or support coordination provider). Many NDIS registered therapy and support coordination providers could assist Agency managed participants with the supply of the AT item, and make the claim through the provider portal. The provider needs to send the written confirmation (a letter or email with the necessary details) to enquiries@ndis.gov.au with subject “Low cost AT flexibility evidence” before they process a payment claim with the NDIA. Providers will only be able to claim from either the capacity building item, or the consumables categories if they are registered for If a specific item is required to maintain supports via physical distancing, written advice will be required to support this purchase. The written advice (which can include an email) should include: • the participant’s name and NDIS number; • confirmation that delivery of current supports in the participant’s plan have been significantly hindered due to physical distancing restrictions (or other consequences of coronavirus Communication and Information Equipment. What providers need to say

(COVID-19) and that alternate solutions to maintain delivery/outcome have been considered, but do not fully address the limitations;

• how the device is necessary to maintain supports and services while maintaining physical distancing requirements; • the specific technologies and associated accessories required, and that these represent the lowest specification capable of delivering the benefit; and • that the participant is able to use the device/s to access the support. • Before the participant (or nominee) or provider makes a claim for the selected item, the participant should be sure that: • the participant does not already have the item, another suitable item or access to the item, and • a similar or suitable item has not been funded by another service system (such as education), and • the item or circumstances are not specifically excluded under this policy. If there are not enough funds in consumables: The NDIA have made core budgets within plans completely flexible, therefore if there are not enough funds in consumables, funds can be taken from any other part of the core budget. Participants should also check to see that they have sufficient funds in their plan to cover the equipment being considered. The Agency will not increase plans to add in extra funds for the purchase of a device. Alternatively there is a new item number under capacity building: 15_222400911_0124_1_3 “Temporary item to support the increased need for online appointments i.e. web, telehealth or application based approaches given the suspension of face to face services due to the social distancing regulations. This item can be used to cover videoconferencing and to purchase low cost smart devices such as iPads.” Please note providers will need to be registered under the Communication and Information Equipment group to be able to use this item. Erin West Practice and NDIS Advisor

34

Speak Out | August 2020