Clarifying NDIS funding for iPads with AAC apps as communication devices – March 2025

Since October 3, 2024, there has been much discussion about whether the NDIS funds iPads as communication devices. While the legislation remains unchanged, the NDIS has clarified the funding process in specific circumstances.

What has been clarified?

The NDIS has stated that tablets, including iPads, are not standard NDIS supports but may be considered replacement supports in specific circumstances. This applies to devices such as:

• Smartwatches
• Tablets (including iPads)
• Smartphones
• Apps for accessibility or communication purposes

A participant with complex communication needs may qualify for funding under the Replacement Supports process if they require an iPad with an AAC app as their primary communication device. However, this is not a simplified pathway—it remains a mandatory process, even though an iPad with an AAC app is often a more cost-effective and functional alternative to a dedicated AAC device.

How can participants apply for an iPad with an AAC app?

Participants must use funding already allocated in their NDIS plan (from the Consumables [Core] or Assistive Technology budgets) to request a reallocation of funds under the Replacement Supports process.

📌 Important: This process applies even if the participant does not already have a communication device.

Steps to apply:

1. Check available funding in the participant’s Consumables (Core) or Assistive Technology budget within their NDIS plan.
2. Complete the NDIS Application for Replacement Support form, used to reallocate existing plan funds.
3. Provide additional details in the form (see below for what to include).
4. Attach supporting documentation, such as a speech pathologist's supporting letter, if required by the NDIS planner.
5. Submit the completed form via the NDIS portal, support coordinator, or planner.

Key clarifications about this process

• Participants do not need to have an existing communication device to use this process. It is available to those with relevant funding in their NDIS plan
• It is helpful if the participant already has funding allocated to purchase of an AAC device as then this funding can be requested to 'replace' the intended purpose of a dedicated device, with an iPad with AAC app if it is more suitable.
• If the participant does not have available funding in their Consumables (Core) or AT budgets, or they need to use this funding for its original intended purpose rather than 'replace' it with an iPad and AAC app, then they cannot apply via the Replacement Supports process.
• The process does not impact speech pathology hours—participants can still access funding for therapy.
• The requirement to reduce or eliminate the need for support workers does not apply to communication devices (this rule is only relevant for household items).
• Funding is for an iPad with an AAC app, not just the iPad—speech pathologists must justify why this combination is the best communication solution.
• This process is required by the NDIS, even though an iPad with an AAC app is often a more cost-effective and functional alternative to a dedicated AAC device
• This process does not apply to trials of AAC apps. Participants can use their Consumables (Core) or AT funding to fund a trial of AAC apps.

What details should be included in the Replacement Support Form?

An NDIS delegate previously provided guidance on how to complete the Application for Replacement Support form.

📌 Key Question on the Form:

👉 "Please tell us how the replacement support will work the same or better for you than the support it’s replacing?"

This refers to approved funding already in the participant's plan, such as funding for low-cost assistive technology items. The NDIS requires a clear explanation of:

🔹 Why the iPad with an AAC app is needed and why it is the most effective assistive technology solution.
🔹 If the participant already has approved funding for low-cost AT items for communication, why is an iPad with the AAC app a more effective solution for their specific needs?

Consider addressing:

• Have other AAC options been trialled?
• Has the participant successfully used the AAC app on an iPad during trials?
• Is the iPad with the AAC app developmentally appropriate for their age and needs?
• How will this device help the participant improve their language and communication skills?

Additional supporting letter from the speech pathologist

The NDIS delegate also recommends submitting an additional supporting letter from a speech pathologist, addressing:

• Why an AAC app with an iPad is the most suitable communication device for the participant.
• How the iPad and AAC app are appropriate based on the participant’s needs.
• How the device will help the participant achieve their NDIS goals.

NDIS criteria for approving a replacement support

When assessing an Application for Replacement Support application, the NDIS considers the following criteria:

The replacement support must:

• Replace an NDIS support or supports in the participant’s plan.*
• Help the participant the same or more than the support it’s replacing.
• Cost the same or less than the original support.
• Be safe for the participant to use.

* This means replacing the purpose of the funding in the Consumables (Core) or Assistive Technology budgets, not replacing speech pathology support.

To increase the likelihood of approval, the application should clearly demonstrate that an iPad with an AAC app meets these criteria and is an appropriate, cost-effective support.

How can we advocate for change?

While we must follow the current process, efforts are underway to advocate for a more streamlined approach to funding iPads with AAC apps.

🔹 ARATA & Speech Pathology Australia advocacy

ARATA and Speech Pathology Australia are actively engaging with the NDIA to advocate for changes that simplify access to cost-effective AAC solutions for participants.

🔹 How Speech Pathologists can assist

Speech pathologists can help advocacy efforts by reporting real-world examples of challenges in accessing funding for AAC apps with an iPad. This evidence is crucial for demonstrating system barriers.

📌 Report funding challenges to ARATA and Speech Pathology Australia to support their advocacy efforts.

If you are an ARATA member, you can submit cases to the AT Funding Issues Register:
🔗 ARATA AT Funding Issues Register

🔹 Provide feedback to NDIS

Participants, families, and therapists can submit feedback through the NDIS website to advocate for iPads with AAC apps to be recognised as Assistive Technology (AT) devices, rather than requiring them to go through the Replacement Supports process.

What should speech pathologists and participants do next?

• Review the participant’s NDIS plan to check for available Consumables or AT funding.
• Familiarise yourself with the Replacement Supports process and the required documentation.
• Ensure the Application for Replacement Support form is completed with detailed justifications from the speech pathologist.
• Continue to advocate for change through feedback and professional groups.

Stay updated

As always, NDIS processes and guidance may evolve. We will continue to monitor updates regarding funding for iPads with AAC apps as communication devices. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.

📢 Have you applied for an iPad with an AAC app under the NDIS Replacement Supports Process? We'd love to hear your experience—share your insights in the comments to help others navigate the system!

💡 Need further guidance? Stay updated by following our latest posts, signing up for updates or reaching out for support.

📌 This information replaces our previous blog post on NDIS funding for iPads as communication devices. You can view the original post here:
🔗 Update on NDIS Funding for iPads as Communication Devices