Ability First Australia was recently funded by the Department of Social Services to deliver an Assistive Technology (AT) Rental and Refurbishment Pilot Program across South Australia and Tasmania that aims to make access to AT simpler, faster and more affordable.

This is an initial 2-year pilot program designed to increase the opportunity for people with disability to access high quality equipment. The program is available to all people with disability under the age of 65 years in South Australia and Tasmania. NDIS participants over 65 who are currently on the Scheme in South Australia and Tasmania remain eligible.

Ability First will deliver this pilot under the name AccessTech and partner with its AccessTech member organisations,  NovitaTech and St Giles, who will provide the infrastructure, skills and expertise in AT refurbishment, assessment and distribution.

Customers in South Australia and Tasmania can start accessing the AT Pilot Program from March 2025. The AT Pilot Program will conclude in December 2026 followed by a detailed evaluation that will inform its application nationally, post the pilot period.