Ecothesis Guide: NDIS Low-Risk Tech Customisation vs Non-Funded General IT Support

The Australian government, through the **National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)**, draws a clear line between what it funds and what it doesn't. A common area of confusion is **general IT help** — things like computer repairs, virus removal, hardware fixes, or standard tech troubleshooting. These are typically classified as **not NDIS supports** and fall under everyday living costs that participants must cover themselves.

This distinction is important for providers, participants, and support workers. Misunderstanding it can lead to rejected claims, wasted time, or even debts if NDIS funding is used incorrectly. As someone specializing in **disability-specific low-risk assistive technology (AT) configuration** on existing mainstream devices, I often get inquiries from people assuming I handle general tech issues. I don't — and here's why, based on the official NDIS rules.

At the heart of my work is a mindset I call **Ecothesis** — the thoughtful orchestration and customization of technologies to match a participant's unique capacity, skills, and compliance with government requirements, all aligned precisely to their personal outcomes, goals, and needs. (The term draws from "eco" for environment/ecosystem and "thesis" for purposeful proposition or extension — much like a prosthesis extends the body, Ecothesis extends the home and digital environment into something stable, predictable, and truly supportive.) Ecothesis isn't just about fixing tech; it's a guiding philosophy for empowering people with disabilities through technology that adapts to them, rather than demanding they adapt to rigid, off-the-shelf systems. This approach ensures technology becomes an enabler of independence, not another barrier.

### What the NDIS Classifies as "General IT Help" (Not Funded)

The NDIS explicitly excludes supports that are **day-to-day living costs** unrelated to a participant's disability. This includes most standard technology maintenance and services that aren't tied to overcoming specific disability barriers.

Key examples of general IT help that the NDIS does **not** fund include:

- Fixing hardware problems (e.g., repairing a cracked laptop screen, replacing faulty parts, or addressing general wear and tear).

- General troubleshooting or repairs (e.g., fixing slow performance, blue screens, or non-disability-related software glitches).

- Virus/malware removal or security scans unrelated to accessibility needs.

- Installing or updating random software, apps, or games for everyday/entertainment use.

- Setting up home Wi-Fi networks, printers, routers, or modems in a standard, non-disability-specific way.

- Repairs to mainstream personal electronics (phones, tablets, laptops) unless the device is already funded as assistive technology for a disability purpose.

- General technical support calls or helpdesk services for standard operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) not linked to functional limitations from disability.

These fall under broader exclusions for **everyday living costs** and **standard technology items**. The NDIS states that it won't fund:

- Standard computers, computer accessories, mobile phones (including smartphones), tablets, internet devices (modems, routers), sim cards, or internet/phone plans.

- Items or services that are "essentially everyday living costs that others would pay for anyway."

- Supports unrelated to the participant's disability or more appropriately handled by mainstream services (e.g., manufacturer support from Apple, Google, Microsoft, or local computer shops).

From the official NDIS guidelines (including the "Supports that are not NDIS supports" list and related documents, current as of 2026), these are not considered "NDIS supports" unless they qualify as rare **replacement supports** (e.g., substituting a mainstream device for an existing funded AT item, which requires written NDIA approval and is limited).

The NDIS transitioned to clearer lists of funded vs. non-funded supports, with strict enforcement starting from October 2025. Using funds on non-NDIS supports can now result in debts being raised.

### The Contrast: What **Is** Funded (Disability-Specific, Low-Risk Tech Support)

This is where Ecothesis comes alive in practice. The NDIS **does** fund targeted support for **low-risk assistive technology configuration and onboarding** on a participant's **existing mainstream devices** — but only when it's directly related to their disability and plan goals.

Examples include:

- Setting up biometrics (Face ID, fingerprint), password managers, or accessibility features to access government portals (myGov, Medicare, My Health Record, Centrelink).

- Configuring built-in tools for communication, online banking, shopping, or health services that the disability prevents independent use of.

- Help with secure logins and digital requirements mandated by government or health systems.

This is classified as **low-risk AT** under the Assistive Technology guideline (still current in 2025-26). Page 22 explicitly lists "**mainstream computer technology**" as low-risk, meaning it's "easy to set up and safely use without professional advice" and "can be chosen by the user or family with very little advice or setup support." Such support is billed under **Core – Assistance with Daily Life**, similar to help with cooking, shopping, or other daily activities impacted by disability.

It's **not** general IT help — it's disability-specific assistance to achieve greater independence in communication, health management, financial participation, and community access, guided by the Ecothesis mindset of holistic, person-centered orchestration.

### Global Human Rights Perspective: The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

This principle aligns with international human rights standards. Australia is a signatory to the **United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)**, adopted in 2006 and a cornerstone of global disability rights. The CRPD recognizes that persons with disabilities have the right to full participation in society, including access to information and communications technologies (ICTs) on an equal basis with others.

Key relevant articles include:

- **Article 9 (Accessibility)**: States Parties must take appropriate measures to ensure persons with disabilities have access — on an equal basis with others — to information and communications, including ICTs and systems. This includes promoting access to new ICTs and the Internet, and encouraging the design, development, production, and distribution of accessible ICTs at an early stage so they become accessible at minimum cost.

- **Article 21 (Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information)**: States must ensure persons with disabilities can exercise their right to seek, receive, and impart information through forms of communication of their choice. This includes providing public information in accessible formats and technologies appropriate to different disabilities, without additional cost, and urging private entities (including Internet services) to make information and services accessible and usable.

- **Article 2 (Definitions)**: Defines "reasonable accommodation" as necessary modifications and adjustments (not imposing undue burden) to ensure enjoyment of rights, and includes "accessible information and communication technology" in the definition of communication.

The CRPD frames access to assistive technologies and accessible ICTs as essential for independent living, inclusion, and equality — not luxuries, but fundamental rights. It emphasizes removing barriers so persons with disabilities can use mainstream technologies with appropriate configuration or support. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) also recognize access to assistive technology as a human right under the CRPD, calling for global efforts to improve availability and affordability through initiatives like the Global Report on Assistive Technology.

These global standards reinforce why targeted, disability-specific configuration of existing mainstream devices (like setting up accessibility features for secure government or health access) is reasonable, necessary, and fundable under schemes like the NDIS — while unrelated general IT fixes remain everyday costs. Ecothesis embodies this by prioritizing customization that respects the participant's full rights to accessible, equitable technology.

### Quick Comparison Table

| Category | NDIS Classification | Funded? | Examples |

|---------------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------|----------|

| General IT help | Day-to-day living cost / excluded | No | Hardware repairs, virus fixes, general software installs, Wi-Fi setup, unrelated troubleshooting |

| Low-risk disability-specific AT config/support (Ecothesis approach) | Core – Assistance with Daily Life | Yes | Biometric setup, password management, accessibility features for gov/health access on existing device |

| Mainstream device purchase | Everyday living cost | No | Buying a new laptop/phone (unless approved replacement) |

| Complex/high-risk AT | Capital supports (if approved) | Case-by-case | Custom software or devices needing OT assessment |

### If You're Looking for These Services...

If your needs fall into the "general IT help" category — computer repairs, virus removal, hardware fixes, standard software installs, printer/Wi-Fi setup, or unrelated tech troubleshooting — that's **not** what I provide. These are mainstream, everyday services not covered by NDIS funding in most cases.

I recommend reaching out to:

- Local computer repair shops or chains in Adelaide (e.g., Geeks2U, Officeworks tech services, or independent IT technicians).

- Official manufacturer support (Apple Support, Google Help, Microsoft Support).

- Online platforms like Airtasker for one-off tech tasks or general helpdesks.

However, if you're an NDIS participant needing help with **disability-related** tech setup — like enabling secure access to essential government or health systems on your current phone, tablet, or laptop, orchestrated through the Ecothesis mindset for true, sustainable independence — that's exactly my area of expertise. It's low-risk, value-for-money support aligned with NDIS rules and international human rights standards like the CRPD.

Feel free to contact me if your query matches that description. Let's make sure your tech works for your goals, not against them.

*(Sources: NDIS official website guidelines on "Supports funded by the NDIS," "Supports that are not NDIS supports," Assistive Technology guideline, and related 2025-2026 updates; United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Articles 2, 9, 21; WHO Global Report on Assistive Technology.)*