Quick Guide: Applying to THE Electronic Communication Devices Scheme for NDIS participants

What can I apply for through ECDS?

You can apply for speech generating devices, voice amplifiers, external speakers for communication devices, communication software and apps, switches, mounting systems and required accessories. You can also apply for Apple or Android tablets for use as speech generating devices and tablet accessories.

Applying for a tablet device and app?

  • We suggest standard Wi-Fi only models (e.g. iPad WiFi32GB or 128GB) as sufficient to enable access to most communication apps. However, if your client needs a different model (e.g Wi-Fi + Cellular for internet access, or more memory for video and photo content, or a larger screen) please include a clinical justification for this in your application.
  • Our approved supplier for Apple tablets, standard cases and iTunes vouchers is Beyond the Box. Please provide a current quote from Beyond the Box. Contact RebeccaLewis (, ph.9372 8899). Please let Rebecca know you are applying for equipment through the ECD Scheme at Yooralla so that she draws up an appropriate quote.
  • Specialised iPad accessories from other approved suppliers (e.g. Spectronics, CommunicATe, Zyteq) can also be funded.
  • We no longer gift apps. We provide iTunes cards or Google Play gift cards. If applying for Apple apps, include iTunes cards(to the nearest value of the required app) in the quote from Beyond the Box.
  • If applying for Predictable for Android, make sure it is compatible with the Android device the client will be using.

What sort of apps?

You can apply for speech generating apps through the ECD Scheme such as: Predictable, LAMP Words for Life, Proloquo2Go, GoTalkNow, Sono Flex, TouchChat HD, TouchChat with WordPower, Speak for Yourself, Tapspeak Choice, AAC Essentials, iPrompts, PECS IV, PODD with Compass, Gateway with Compass, Tools2 Talk +etc. You can also apply for apps that support narrative communication and news sharing such as Pictello, Scene and Heard, Snap Scene and visual schedule apps such as Visual Schedule Planner and FTVS HD.

If in doubt, please call to enquire before submitting your application.

How do I apply?

Post:PO Box 1235 ROBINSON 3019

Fax:99687 1607

Email:

Current application forms can be downloaded from the Yooralla website:

Please note:

  • The DHS VAEP form does not need to be completed for NDIS participants
  • The $7000 ceiling does not apply to NDIS participants
  • Quotes from an approved supplier are required

Approval Process

  1. Clinical review by ECDS Therapist

The ECD Scheme therapists review all applications from a clinical perspective. When approved, the therapist generates a ‘Request for Delegate Decision’ and submits it to the relevant NDIS region for review, along with your application and quotes.

To reduce the risk of your application being declined by NDIS, please provide a strong clinical rationale including an indication that:

  • you have considered a range of options that may meet the person’s needs and goals. List all options considered or trialled and indicate why the alternatives do not meet the person’s needs or are not suitable.
  • the device or software you are requesting has been trialled successfully. Include information about the length of trial, the contexts in which the equipment was trialled, trial outcomes and how you measured success.
  • the features of the requested system meet the needs of the client
  • the support team (e.g. family members, teachers, therapists) support the application and will support the person to use the equipment.
  • the requested option represents value for money (ie. it is the most cost-effective option available to meet the person’s needs). If you are requesting a stand-alone communication device (e.g Liberator Rugged 7, Accent 800, Dynavox I-110 etc) provide evidence that you have considered or trialled a lower cost alternative such as an iPad with TouchChat with WordPower, LAMP WFL, PODD app) and detail reasons why this option is not suitable or appropriate for your client. If applying formore than one device (e.g. a communication device and an iPad and app) or a more expensive model (e.g. an iPad Pro), provide a very strong and detailed rationale.

We recommend that you become familiar with the criteria used by the NDIA.

  • NDIS Act 2013: Section 34 – Reasonable and necessary supports on page 39 (Chapter 3, Part 2)
  • NDIS (Supports for Participants) Rules 2013 (in particular Parts 2, 3 and 5)
  • NDIS operational guidelines for assistive technology:

*Please note that the ECDS therapists can assist you to strengthen your application. Please feel free to contact us.

  • Communication assistive technology: Rosie Miller 9362 6126 / ;
  • Mounting and access peripherals: Sarah McLauchlan 9362 6136 /
  1. Review by the NDIS Delegate

The NDIS delegate/planner makes the final decision regarding whether the scheme will fund the requested equipment. The application may also need to be reviewed by an NDIS technical advisory team. Please note that there can be a considerable delay before ECDS receives formal notification of the delegate’s decision.

When ECDS receives notification of NDIA approval (a delegate decision letter), the items are ordered straight away. When received, the equipment is processed then forwarded to the prescribing therapist.

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to call 9362 6126

Thank you!

This document is uncontrolled when printed, please refer to the Policies and Procedures Library for current controlled version
Policy Index: Customer / Electronic Communication Devices Scheme (ECDS) / Effective Date:24/07/2017 (v4)
Responsible Manager: Kim Magee / Page 1 of 3