Can the NDIS fund apps and software?
The short answer? Yes, the NDIS may fund apps and software. But it depends on what the app does and whether it directly supports your disability-related needs.
What about general apps?
Apps used for everyday life, entertainment or personal tasks generally aren’t considered NDIS supports. This includes dating, gaming and entertainment apps, lifestyle coaching or wellbeing apps, and general productivity tools such as Microsoft 365 and Asana.
These apps are included on the NDIS list of supports that aren’t funded. This means you can only use NDIS funding to buy one if the NDIA approves it as a replacement support. Money management apps, such as Spendable, also need to be approved as a replacement support or specifically included in your plan.
What about text-to-voice and accessibility apps?
A text-to-voice app turns written text into spoken words. The NDIS may fund this type of app (or a similar accessibility app), as low-cost assistive technology if it directly supports your disability-related communication, accessibility or day-to-day functioning. Common examples include Dragon, NFB Reader, BlindSpot and Proloquo2Go.
Keep in mind that an app isn’t automatically funded just because it supports communication or accessibility. It still needs to meet the NDIS funding criteria and suit your individual needs.
If it isn’t clear how the app supports a text-to-voice or other disability-related function, the NDIA may ask you for more information or evidence before making a decision.