Assistive Tools & Technology

What does OT support look like in this area?

Assistive tools and technology are vital for children who face barriers in fine motor skills, attention, organisation, or daily routines. By providing supports tailored to a child’s needs, OT can help reduce frustration, promote independence, and enable participation in meaningful activities. Using these tools allows children to access learning, communication, and self-care opportunities in ways that are developmentally appropriate and confidence-building.

How OT support helps in everyday life

Occupational therapists assess the child’s strengths and challenges, then introduce practical tools and technology to support functional participation. Examples include:

• Pencil grips, weighted pens, or slant boards to improve handwriting posture and control

• Adapted scissors, buttoning aids, or easy-grip utensils for self-care and fine motor tasks

• Typing programs or keyboarding exercises to increase speed, accuracy, and confidence

• Tablet apps or visual organisers to assist with schedules, task sequencing, and communication

• Switch-adapted or sensory tools to support engagement for children with sensory differences

OT also supports the child in learning how to use these tools efficiently, integrating them into routines, and gradually increasing independence while monitoring progress.

NDIS Funding for Assistive Tools & Technology

OTs can provide detailed professional reports to support NDIS funding applications. These reports clearly outline:

• The child’s functional challenges and how specific tools will support independence, skill development, and participation

• Evidence-based recommendations and the rationale for why each tool is necessary

• Training and follow-up requirements for the child, family, or educators to ensure effective use

Types of funding support

• Low-cost tools: Pencil grips, adapted scissors, fidget toys, timers, visual planners, slant boards

• Mid-cost tools: Keyboards or tablets with typing or literacy software, alternative seating or desk supports, specialised fine motor kits

• High-cost or specialised equipment: Communication devices, complex ergonomic workstations, or customised sensory equipment

Funding through NDIS may cover the cost of purchasing the tools, plus any associated training, follow-up sessions, or modifications needed to integrate them effectively across home, school, and community settings. This ensures the child can develop independence and confidence using the tools in multiple environments.

How this skill can change as your child grows

• Early childhood: Focus is on basic adaptive tools for feeding, dressing, and early writing, supporting foundational independence

• Primary school: Integration of technology to support learning, such as typing programs, electronic organisers, or visual cues for tasks

• Adolescence: More advanced use of assistive technology for complex tasks, including project planning, communication apps, and vocational supports

How this skill can look at home, school, or in the community

• Home: Children can use adapted utensils for meals, pencil grips for homework, or tablets to follow daily routines. Visual timers or checklists help children manage tasks independently.

• School: Accessing learning materials via a tablet, using a keyboard or word processing program to complete assignments, and using visual planners to sequence multi-step projects. OT can also liaise with teachers to ensure tools are used effectively in the classroom.

• Community: Using communication devices in shops or public spaces, navigating social situations with support from technology, or managing personal routines like shopping lists or transport schedules independently.

Example

A child with fine motor and handwriting difficulties received funding for a slant board, pencil grips, and a keyboarding program through NDIS. The OT provided training and regular follow-ups to monitor progress, ensuring the child could use the tools independently for schoolwork, creative tasks, and daily self-care, significantly reducing frustration and increasing confidence.