Assistive technology has the power to open doors — especially for people living with disabilities. Whether it’s a mobility aid, a speech device, or a simple scan reader pen, the right tool can help someone learn more confidently, communicate more clearly, or manage daily tasks more independently.

If you’re looking into NDIS funding for the first time — or you’ve recently been diagnosed with a condition that makes reading more difficult — you might be wondering where to start. This guide explains how assistive technology fits into the NDIS, what’s eligible, and how to take the next step with confidence.

What is considered assistive technology under the NDIS?

When the NDIS talks about assistive technology (or AT for short), they’re referring to devices or equipment that help a person do something they otherwise couldn’t — or that make things easier, safer, or more accessible because of a disability.

That could be something simple like a jar opener or walking stick, or something more advanced like a powered wheelchair or communication device. And yes — even tools to support learning, like scan reader pens, can be considered assistive technology if they meet certain criteria.

According to the NDIS definition, AT is any device or system that allows you to do tasks you’d otherwise find difficult or impossible because of your disability.

Examples of assistive technology

Assistive tech supported by the NDIS might include:

• Mobility aids – walkers, canes, or wheelchairs
  
• Communication devices – speech-generating tools, tablets with communication apps
  
• Hearing or vision supports – magnifiers, audio devices, screen readers
  
• Cognitive or learning aids – like scan pens, timers, or reminder systems
  
• Personal care aids – shower chairs, dressing tools, adaptive kitchen equipment

In general, the item needs to:

• Directly relate to your disability
  
• Help you pursue one or more goals in your NDIS plan (like improving independence, learning, or communication)
  
• Be safe, effective, and value for money

Different levels of assistive technology

The NDIS breaks assistive tech into four levels, depending on how complex or risky the item is:

Most learning aids like scan reader pens are considered Level 2 — which means they’re low-risk, widely available, and don’t usually require a full AT assessment (though some supporting documentation may still be helpful — more on that later).

What the NDIS may fund (and what it won’t)

When it comes to assistive technology, the NDIS doesn’t just fund any helpful gadget — the device needs to meet a few important criteria. The key thing to remember is this: it must relate directly to your disability and support one or more goals in your NDIS plan.

So how do you know what’s likely to be covered — and what’s not?

The NDIS may fund assistive technology if:

To be eligible, the item or device needs to be:

• Directly related to your disability – for example, if you have dyslexia or low vision, a scan reader pen might help you read and comprehend text more independently.
  
• Linked to a goal in your NDIS plan – such as improving learning outcomes, communication, independence, or participation.
  
• Safe and effective – the item should be proven to help, without introducing new risks or harm.
  
• Good value for money – the NDIS will often fund the most cost-effective solution that meets your needs.

Examples of commonly funded assistive technology include:

• Reading aids (like scan pens)
  
• Visual aids or screen readers
  
• Communication boards or apps
  
• Shower chairs or transfer benches
  
• Manual wheelchairs or walkers

For many Level 1 or Level 2 items (including scan pens), you may not need a formal assessment — but having a professional letter or recommendation can make the process smoother.

How much will the NDIS fund?

The NDIS breaks AT into four cost categories to guide how much funding you can access and what paperwork might be required:

 

So if you're applying for something like a scan pen (typically $400–$800), it would fall into the mid-cost range — which means you’ll likely need a letter or advice from a professional confirming why it’s needed.

💡 Tip: You don’t always need a full AT assessment for mid-cost items, but you should still talk to your NDIS planner or support coordinator about the process before purchasing.

What the NDIS generally doesn’t fund

There are also clear limits on what NDIS will pay for. The scheme typically won’t cover:

• Everyday items used by the general public – like a regular tablet or phone (unless modified)
  
• Things primarily for education, employment or recreation – as these are often the responsibility of schools, employers, or mainstream services
  
• Items for convenience rather than necessity – for example, if a product just makes things slightly easier, but isn’t needed because of a disability
  
• Duplicates – if you already have an item that does the same job

So, while a scan reader pen might be approved for someone who needs it due to a diagnosed reading disability, it’s unlikely to be covered for someone who just finds it “helpful” or “faster.”

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator can help assess whether a specific item fits within your plan.

Are scan reader pens covered by the NDIS?

If you or someone you care for struggles with reading due to a disability — such as dyslexia, vision impairment, or a cognitive processing difficulty — you may have come across a scan reader pen and wondered: Could the NDIS help pay for this?

The short answer is: yes, reader pens can be covered by the NDIS — but it depends on a few key factors.

How scan pens fit into assistive technology

Scan reader pens, like the C-Pen Reader 2, C-Pen Reader 3 or the Scan Reader Pen 4, are small handheld devices that scan and read printed text aloud. They’re especially helpful for people who have difficulty decoding words, following along visually, or processing written information.

These tools can support greater independence in reading school materials, documents, forms, labels — even books for leisure — without relying entirely on others for help.

Scan pens are typically classified as low to mid-cost assistive technology under the NDIS. That means:

• They usually fall under the $1,500 threshold
  
• You don’t need a full assessment (like you would for high-cost AT)
  
• But you will need a letter or recommendation from a relevant professional (e.g. speech therapist, occupational therapist, specialist teacher) that explains how the pen supports your disability-related needs and aligns with your NDIS goals

For example, if one of your goals is to improve independence with learning, reading signs or forms, or participating in education — a scan pen could be considered both reasonable and necessary.

Are all types of scan reader pens covered by the NDIS?

This is where things get a little more nuanced.

🟢 Likely to be funded:

• Basic dictionary pens (like the C-Pen Reader 2 or ExamReader)
  
• Devices that scan and read printed text aloud
  
• Tools that help with reading comprehension or following along independently
  
• Products that support functional daily activities — like reading labels, documents, or instructions

These are considered low to mid-complexity, and generally don’t require extensive justification as long as their purpose is clearly linked to your disability.

🟡 May require more justification:

• High-tech pens with added features (like the C-Pen Reader 3 or the Scan Pen Reader 4):
  
  • Voice output for multiple languages
    
  • Real-time translation
    
  • Bluetooth integration or file exporting
    

• Devices primarily used in school settings or for general learning assistance (as schools may be expected to provide some support)

If a scan pen includes these advanced features, you may still be able to get it funded — but it’s more likely the NDIS will ask:

• Is the extra functionality directly needed due to your disability?
  
• Is this the most cost-effective option that meets your needs?

That’s where a well-written professional letter can make all the difference.

How to apply for assistive technology (AT) funding through the NDIS

Once you’ve identified the assistive technology you need — like a scan reader pen — the next step is understanding how to request funding for it through your NDIS plan. While the process can vary slightly depending on your individual situation, here’s a general guide to help you feel more prepared and confident.

Step 1: Confirm that the item is linked to your NDIS goals

Before you do anything else, check your current NDIS plan and make sure that:

• The item relates to your disability (e.g. reading difficulty due to dyslexia or low vision)
  
• The item supports one or more of your NDIS goals (e.g. becoming more independent, improving learning, accessing information without help)

If the item helps you participate more fully in daily life, it’s more likely to be approved.

Step 2: Gather supporting evidence

For low to mid-cost items (under $15,000), you usually don’t need a full AT assessment, but it’s still important to have supporting documentation. This could include:

• A short letter of recommendation from a:
  
  • Speech pathologist
    
  • Occupational therapist
    
  • Learning support coordinator
    
  • Specialist teacher
    
• A quote or product information sheet
  
• A simple explanation of how and when you’ll use the item

💡 Tip: The more clearly you can show that the item is necessary and effective, the better.

Step 3: Request the item through your plan budget

Depending on how your NDIS plan is managed, you’ll follow a different process:

 

If your item is considered mid-cost (between $1,500–$15,000), and isn’t listed in your plan already, you may need to submit a quote and professional advice to the NDIA before it can be approved.

Step 4: Talk to your planner or support coordinator

If you're unsure about any part of the process, your:

• Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
  
• Support coordinator
  
• Or NDIS planner

They can walk you through the paperwork, make sure the device fits your funding category, and help submit the request properly.

Conclusion: Support is out there

Assistive technology like scan reader pens may seem like a small solution — but for someone living with a learning or reading difficulty, it can mean a big leap in independence, confidence, and everyday capability.

If you or your loved one is eligible for the NDIS and needs support with reading, comprehension, or communication, a scan pen could be a helpful — and fundable — option. The key is to show how it connects directly to your disability and supports the goals outlined in your NDIS plan.

And remember: you don’t need to figure it all out on your own. Whether it’s a speech therapist writing a support letter or your plan manager helping you submit a quote, there are people ready to guide you through the process.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our range of assistive tools, including scan reader pens and at-home health management devices, and speak with your planner about how to include the right one in your plan.

Shop Aussie Pharma Direct’s collection of reader pens.

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• Tweet
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email

---

Tags

Assistive Technology C-Pen Reader 2 C-Pen Reader 3 NDIS NDIS Participants Reader Pen Reader Pen for Dyslexia Reading Support Scanning Pens Tips