Government-funded equipment
If you need equipment because of a long-term disability, Disability Support Services (DSS) may be able to provide it on loan. Equipment can include:
- Wheelchairs
- Walking frames
- Shower stools
- Hoists
- Adjustable beds
- Communication devices
- Visual or vibrating alert systems
To access this support, you usually need an assessment from an Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) Assessor, such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or speech-language therapist
In Auckland your equipment and provision of equipment are usually managed by Accessable.
How do I get disability equipment?
Step 1: Get an assessment
An Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) assessor will talk with you about your needs and help identify the equipment that may support you. EMS assessors are usually:
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Speech-language therapists
- Hearing or vision professionals
You can ask:
- Your GP for a referral, or
- Your local hospital community health service for assistance.
Step 2: Equipment is arranged for you
In Auckland and Northland, Accessable helps provide disability equipment and services after an assessment has been completed.
What if my disability is because of an accident?
If your disability or injury was caused by an accident, ACC may be able to fund equipment and modifications related to your injury.
Can I buy my own equipment?
Yes. Some equipment can be purchased directly from equipment suppliers and mobility stores. Low-cost items such as special cutlery, reachers, and everyday aids are often available for purchase without an assessment.
If you have Individualised Funding (IF) for personal care and/or respite, you may be able to purchase items if they are unable to be funded, however, depending on the value of the item, you may require pre-approval and this could impact future allocations of funding. For more information on using IF please refer to your IF Host.
If you are not sure where to start, contact us at Disability Connect.
Disability Equipment Assessment Checklist
If you need disability equipment, an assessment can help work out what will best support you. This may include equipment to help with moving around, personal care, communication, safety, or daily activities.
In Auckland, disability equipment is usually arranged after an assessment by a qualified assessor. This may be an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech-language therapist, or another health professional.
Before your assessment
Before your appointment, it can help to think about what is difficult for you or the person you support.
- Think about daily activities that are difficult or unsafe.
- Write down any equipment you already use.
- Make a note of any equipment that is broken, uncomfortable, or no longer helpful.
- Think about any recent changes in health, mobility, communication, vision, or hearing.
- Gather any reports or information from your GP, therapist, specialist, or support team.
Activities to think about
- Moving around your home
- Getting in and out of bed
- Showering or using the toilet
- Preparing meals
- Communication
- Seeing or hearing
- Getting out into the community
During your assessment
The assessor will talk with you about your needs, your home, and what matters most to you. Be honest about what is difficult. This helps the assessor understand what support may be needed.
- Explain the challenges you face each day.
- Talk about what support you currently receive from family, whānau, carers, or support workers.
- Share your goals and what you would like to be able to do more safely or independently.
- Ask questions if you do not understand something.
- Talk about different equipment options.
- Ask whether equipment may be loaned, funded, or purchased.
Goals you may want to talk about
- Being safer at home
- Being more independent
- Getting out into the community
- Communicating more easily
- Returning to work, school, study, or activities
- Making daily care easier for you and your support people
Your home and environment
The assessor may ask about your home and how easy it is to move around safely.
- Are there steps or stairs?
- Is the bathroom easy to use?
- Can you get safely in and out of bed?
- Are doorways wide enough?
- Can you get in and out of the house safely?
- Do you need support with transport or getting in and out of a vehicle?
After your assessment
Before the appointment ends, make sure you understand what will happen next.
- Ask what equipment has been recommended.
- Ask who will arrange the equipment.
- Ask what happens next.
- Ask who to contact if your needs change.
- Keep copies of any reports, recommendations, or letters.
Questions you may want to ask
- What equipment would best meet my needs?
- Are there different options available?
- Will I be shown how to use the equipment safely?
- Who do I contact if the equipment needs repair?
- What happens if the equipment no longer meets my needs?
- Can I have another assessment if my situation changes?
- Can the equipment be funded, loaned, or do I need to buy it?
Need more help?
Disability Connect can help disabled people, families, whānau, and carers understand the disability support system in Auckland. We can help you think about where to start and who to contact.
