The funding system for assistive devices, aids and equipment comprises a fragmented mix of subsidies, co-payments, part contributions and specific criteria, and differs in each State and Territory.376
There is little relationship between need and ability to pay for aids and devices, and in fact it is often those in greatest need of personal mobility assistance that have the least capacity to afford them. The limited funding made available for aids and devices programs has resulted in the prioritisation of short term clinical need over facilitation of personal mobility and independence.377
Funding rules regarding the provision of assistive devices often give rise to discriminatory results. For example, people report that some criteria for receiving assistive devices requires people to be in employment, when it is in fact the lack of access to assistive devices that is directly contributing to being unable to gain employment in the first place.378
Many assistive devices, such as domestic modifications and appliances are considered outside the scope of assistive devices funding programs forcing many people to purchase expensive alternatives beyond their means.379
There is inconsistent, uncoordinated access to programs between States and Territories. Depending on their location, people with disability face large discrepancies in accessing a program, and are unable to move with their assistive device, aids or equipment between program locations.380 (See also Article 18)
People with disability also lose access to their assistive devices, aids and equipment once they reach the age of 65 and are no longer eligible for support through the disability service system. The aged care service system has different eligibility criteria, with the result that people with disability often pay higher costs to obtain the devices, aids and equipment they need as they are unable to obtain them through the aged care system.381
