The following information is to provide you with examples of what the NDIS may fund. It’s important to note that this is only a guide to assist you make an informed decision. Only your My NDIS Contact, an NDIS Delegate, or the explicit written information in a current NDIS plan serves as the source of truth. The NDIS considers requests based on whether the support is related to your disability and whether it meets the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines.
Assistive equipment for recreation refers to the provision of specialised products and supports that enable people with disability to participate in sports, leisure, and recreational activities. These supports help individuals to enjoy physical activities, engage socially, and maintain physical and mental wellbeing, in line with their NDIS goals.
What is Assistive Equipment for Recreation?
Assistive equipment for recreation includes products or modifications that assist participants to take part in recreational and sporting activities. This may include:
- Modified sporting equipment
- Personal recreation equipment modifications
- Services to assess, prescribe, deliver, adjust, and train a participant in the successful use of the equipment
- Maintenance, spare parts, and consumable items specific to the equipment
This equipment is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals living with disability and supports their inclusion in physical, recreational, and social activities.
NDIS Funding Considerations
The NDIS may fund assistive equipment for recreation when:
- ✅ The support is directly related to the participant's disability.
- ✅ The support helps the participant pursue recreational goals that promote social inclusion, physical activity, or skill development.
- ✅ The equipment is value for money and deemed reasonable and necessary.
Supports That May Require NDIS Approval
Some types of recreational equipment or modifications may require written approval from the NDIS, either through specific inclusion in the participant's plan or written approval from an NDIS Planner or Delegate. This includes:
- ⚠️ Modified recreational equipment (e.g., adaptive bikes, modified sporting wheelchairs)
- ⚠️ Specialist assessments and training to support the use of the equipment
- ⚠️ Maintenance and repairs of disability-specific recreational equipment
Example:
A participant may seek funding for a custom-modified hand cycle that enables them to take part in community cycling events, as part of their social and physical wellbeing goals.
What is Not Funded by the NDIS?
The NDIS does not fund supports that are considered everyday life expenses or those that are not directly related to a participant's disability. This includes:
- ❌ Standard (non-modified and not adaptive) recreational equipment, toys, balls, racquets
- ❌ Costs associated with elite or professional sports, including specialised equipment or coaching
- ❌ Standard indoor or outdoor play equipment (e.g., regular trampolines, bicycles)
- ❌ Standard gym equipment (e.g., rowing machines, treadmills)
Example:
The NDIS would not fund a standard tennis racquet or gym membership, as these are not considered reasonable and necessary disability supports.
Key NDIS Guidelines & Resources
For further information on NDIS-funded equipment and assistive technology, you can refer to:
- NDIS Pricing Arrangements
- Supports Funded and Not Funded by the NDIS
- Assistive Technology Product Risk Table
Summary
Assistive equipment for recreation plays an important role in enabling people with disability to participate in sports, hobbies, and leisure activities that enhance physical health, social engagement, and personal wellbeing. NDIS funding is available for supports that meet the reasonable and necessary criteria and are directly related to a participant’s disability and goals.
For support with requesting assistive equipment or understanding NDIS approval requirements, contact your My NDIS Contact or Support Coordinator.