How new technology is helping Australians with disability live more independently
Technology in Australia’s disability sector is changing fast. New tools are helping people with disability communicate better, move more freely, and live more independently in their own homes and communities.
From smart devices that respond to your voice, to programmes that use artificial intelligence to support communication, these changes are making a real difference for families across Australia.
Many of these technologies can be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This means families may already be able to access some of them through their participant’s current plan.
This blog looks at the most important technology changes happening in Australia’s disability sector right now — what is available today, what is coming soon, and what it all means for families.
Australia Now Has National Guidelines for AI Disability Technology
One of the biggest changes in Australia’s disability sector recently is the release of a national framework for artificial intelligence (AI) in assistive technology (AT).
The NDIA worked with CSIRO’s Australian e-Health Research Centre (AEHRC) to create this framework. It gives clear guidance on how AI tools used by people with disability should be developed and assessed.
The framework is designed to make sure that AI disability tools are safe, effective, and right for the person using them. It also makes sure that human rights are protected. The framework is trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and inclusive of LGBTIQASB+ diversity.
CSIRO is now building a national plan to roll the framework out across the sector. For families, this means that any AI-powered device coming through the NDIS will now be assessed against a consistent national standard.
Eye-Gaze Technology Is Giving More Australians a Voice
Eye-gaze technology (EGT) is a type of device that lets people control a computer or communication device using only their eyes. It is used by people with cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease, and other physical disabilities.
New Australian research published in early 2026 looked at how Australians with cerebral palsy use eye-gaze technology. Participants said it had opened up new ways to communicate, learn, and take part in everyday life.
Under the NDIS, eye-gaze communication devices can be funded as assistive technology. This includes the device itself, the mounting, and the training needed to use it. For families whose loved ones have not had a reliable way to communicate, this technology can be life-changing.
The Most Popular Assistive Technologies in Australia Right Now
So what assistive technology are NDIS participants actually using in 2025 and 2026? The list has grown a lot in just a few years. Here are some of the most in-demand AT options across Australia right now:
- Smart wheelchairs that use AI to learn how the user moves and adjust automatically
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices and apps that help people communicate using symbols or voice output
- Eye-gaze and switch access systems that let people control computers and tablets without using their hands
- Environmental control systems that manage lights, doors, and temperature using voice commands
- AI writing assistants that help people with ADHD, dyslexia, or cognitive challenges organise and communicate
Research shows that more than 90% of neurodiverse users find AI writing assistants helpful for communication and daily planning tasks.
Many of these technologies can be funded through an NDIS plan. Speaking with a Support Coordinator or Occupational Therapist is a good first step to find out what might be available for your family.
Smart Home Technology Is Supporting Independent Living
Voice assistant devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home are now being used by many people with disability to help manage their daily life at home. These devices can turn on lights, lock doors, make phone calls, and set reminders — all without needing to touch anything.
For people with limited movement, vision impairment, or fatigue-related conditions, this kind of control can make a big difference. It allows people to do more on their own without relying on someone else for small everyday tasks.
Smart home systems and environmental controls can be funded under the NDIS as assistive technology. As these devices become more affordable and easier to use, more families are asking about them during plan reviews.
AI Tools Are Improving Communication and Everyday Tasks
For families supporting someone with autism, intellectual disability, or an acquired brain injury, AI tools are now offering support that was not available just a few years ago.
AI-powered apps can now help people recognise objects around them, control devices through gestures, detect emotions in conversation, and use natural language to interact with technology. These tools learn over time and get better at understanding the person using them.
For children with autism spectrum disorder, AI tools are being used to support social skills and learning. For adults with cognitive challenges, apps can help break tasks into smaller steps, send reminders, and suggest when to take a break.
These tools are about more than just convenience. They help people with disability manage their own day, communicate more clearly, and take part more fully in home and community life.
Australia’s Biggest-Ever AT Survey Results Are Coming in May 2026
Intopia, an Australian accessibility organisation, recently completed its Assistive Technology Survey for 2025 and 2026. This is the largest survey of its kind ever done in Australia and New Zealand.
The survey closed in February 2026, and results will be released in May 2026. The goal is to find out what assistive technology is actually helping Australians with disability — in their own words.
Less than 5% of people surveyed in global accessibility research have historically come from Australia or New Zealand. This survey helps close that gap. The results will be used to shape what technologies get funded and developed next.
Connecting Families AU will be sharing the most useful findings on this blog as soon as they are released.
National AT Conference Coming to Melbourne in November 2026
The Australian Assistive Technology Conference will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 11 to 13, 2026.
The event will bring together sector leaders, health professionals, technology developers, and disability advocates. Topics will include the latest assistive technology updates and how they relate to the NDIS and other support programmes.
It is a good opportunity for families, Support Coordinators, and providers to see new technology in action and learn about what is coming next. Speak with your Support Coordinator if you are interested in attending.
What These Technology Changes Mean for Connecting Families
These technology changes give organisations like Connecting Families AU important opportunities to help participants and their families get the most out of new and upcoming disability tools.
Families often need help understanding how changes to assistive technology and disability services affect what they can access. Connecting Families AU plays an important role in closing that gap by helping people find the right information and the right services.
These changes may lead to:
Needing More Help With Technology Planning
- As new AI tools and smart devices become available, families may want to speak with a trusted support organisation to understand what is right for their loved one and what can be funded through the NDIS.
More Assistive Technology Options to Explore
- Connecting Families AU can help participants and families learn about the latest technology options, connect with the right providers, and make sure the right AT is included in their NDIS plans.
Better Collaboration Between Services
- New technology models work best when therapists, support coordinators, technology providers, and families are all working together. Connecting Families AU can help make sure everyone is on the same page.
How Connecting Families AU Helps NDIS Participants
Connecting Families AU supports people with disability and their carers by providing:
- Help understanding what assistive technology the NDIS can fund
- Guidance on the latest disability tools and services available in Australia
- Support to find trusted AT providers and allied health professionals
- Advocacy for what participants and their families need in their NDIS plans
- Regular updates on changes to disability technology and NDIS policy
As Australia’s disability technology landscape continues to grow and change, Connecting Families AU remains committed to making sure families have the right information and support to access what they need.
What Families Should Do Next
If your family is using the NDIS or thinking about assistive technology, here are some useful steps to take:
- Stay updated on new assistive technology options through trusted sources like the NDIS website and Connecting Families AU.
- Talk to your Support Coordinator or Occupational Therapist about whether any new AT tools could benefit your family member.
- Ask about what AT can be funded in your current NDIS plan and whether it needs to be updated.
- Look into both NDIS-funded and community-based technology support options.
- Keep an eye on the Intopia AT Survey results in May 2026 for the latest data on what is working for Australians with disability.
Staying informed about new technology can help families make better decisions about care, independence, and long-term planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is assistive technology under the NDIS?
- Assistive technology (AT) refers to equipment or tools that help people with disability to do everyday tasks more independently. Under the NDIS, a range of AT can be funded — including communication devices, smart home systems, wheelchairs, and AI-powered apps — depending on the participant’s individual needs and goals.
Can AI tools be funded through the NDIS?
- Yes, some AI-powered assistive technology can be funded through the NDIS. The NDIA’s new AI-enabled AT Framework, developed with CSIRO, provides guidance on how these tools are assessed for safety and effectiveness. Speaking with a Support Coordinator or Occupational Therapist is the best way to find out what might be approved for your family member’s plan.
What is eye-gaze technology and who can use it?
- Eye-gaze technology is a device that lets people control a computer or communication tool using only their eyes. It is used by people with cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease, spinal cord injuries, and other physical disabilities. Under the NDIS, eye-gaze AAC devices — including mounting and training — can be funded as assistive technology.
What is the Intopia Assistive Technology Survey?
- The Intopia AT Survey is the largest survey of its kind in Australia and New Zealand. It asks people with disability about the technology they use and how well it works for them. The 2025–2026 survey results will be released in May 2026 and will help shape future AT policy and product development in Australia.
How can Connecting Families AU help my family access assistive technology?
- Connecting Families AU can help your family understand what AT is available, what can be funded through the NDIS, and how to connect with the right providers and therapists. Our team works alongside participants and carers to make sure plans reflect real needs and the latest options available.
Stay Informed About Disability Technology in Australia
Understanding what new technology is available can help families make better decisions about independence, care, and NDIS planning. If you would like to stay updated on assistive technology developments, new NDIS-funded tools, and upcoming sector events, the following resources can help:
👉 Visit the official NDIS Assistive Technology page to learn about what can be funded: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology
👉 Explore Connecting Families AU’s resources and services to get guidance on navigating the NDIS and accessing the right AT for your family: https://connectingfamilies.com.au/
Connecting Families AU works alongside participants and carers to help them understand available supports, access trusted services, and stay informed about important changes in disability technology and NDIS policy. By staying connected with reliable information, families can make confident decisions and ensure people with disability get the support they need.
How Connecting Families AU Can Help
As disability technology continues to develop, many families may not know what tools are available or how to access them through the NDIS. Connecting Families AU helps families stay ahead of these changes by providing:
- Help understanding the NDIS’s assistive technology funding rules and what is available
- Guidance for families who want to explore new AI tools, smart home systems, or communication devices
- Resources that make it easier to understand disability technology programmes and policies
- Support to connect families with trusted AT providers and allied health services
New assistive technology, from AI communication apps to smart home systems. Shows how quickly the disability support landscape is changing. Connecting Families AU helps families understand these changes and find the right technology solutions for their loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Technology developments in Australia’s disability sector are creating real opportunities for people with disability to live more independently, communicate more effectively, and take part more fully in their communities.
From the national AI-enabled AT Framework developed by NDIA and CSIRO, to eye-gaze communication devices and AI cognitive support tools, the range of technology available to NDIS participants is growing. Smart home systems and voice assistants are also becoming easier to access and fund through NDIS plans.
In May 2026, the results of Australia’s largest-ever AT survey will provide new data on what is actually working for people with disability across the country. And in November 2026, the Australian Assistive Technology Conference in Melbourne will bring the sector together to look at what comes next.
These changes show how important it is for families to stay informed about developments in disability technology. Connecting Families AU and organisations like it can help people learn about new tools, navigate the NDIS, and access the support that works best for them.
Explore More Resources
If you are looking for more information about disability technology and NDIS supports in Australia:
- Learn about what assistive technology the NDIS can fund for participants
- Understand how AI tools and smart home systems can support independent living
- Discover how eye-gaze and AAC technology can help people communicate
- Find out about upcoming events like the Australian Assistive Technology Conference
Connecting Families AU regularly shares updates and resources designed to help families stay informed about assistive technology and disability services.
Sources
The information in this article is based on publicly available announcements, government updates, peer-reviewed research, and verified news coverage about recent disability technology developments in Australia.
- NDIA – AI-Enabled Assistive Technology Framework (CSIRO AEHRC)
- https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/assistive-technology/ai-enabled-assistive-technology-framework
- The NDIA and CSIRO released a national framework to guide the safe development and assessment of AI-enabled assistive technology for NDIS participants.
- CSIRO – Assistive Technology AI Framework for the Disability Sector
- https://www.csiro.au/en/research/health-medical/ai-for-disability
- CSIRO’s AEHRC developed the framework to promote innovation and guide clinicians and participants in using AI-enabled AT safely and effectively.
- Peer-Reviewed Research (2026) – Eye-Gaze Technology Experiences of Australians with Cerebral Palsy
- https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2460588
- A 2026 qualitative study examined how Australians with cerebral palsy use and experience eye-gaze control technology in daily life.
- Intopia – Australian Assistive Technology Survey 2025–2026
- https://intopia.digital/articles/assistive-technology-survey-2025
- Australia and New Zealand’s largest AT survey, with results due in May 2026, aims to build a local evidence base for AT policy and product development.
- NDIS – Assistive Technology: Supports That Can Be Funded
- https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology
- The NDIS website provides guidance on what assistive technology can be funded under participant plans, including communication devices, smart home systems, and mobility aids.
- Australian Assistive Technology Conference 2026 – Melbourne
- https://www.aatconference.com.au
- The national AT conference will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 11–13, 2026, bringing together sector leaders to explore the latest in disability technology.
- Disability Gateway – Assistive Technology and the NDIS
- https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/assistive-technology
- The Disability Gateway provides accessible information for families on finding and funding assistive technology through the NDIS and other support programmes.