Sensory Items

Are you wanting to use your NDIS funds to purchase sensory items? Have a read through our quick guide BEFORE you buy!

What does the NDIS say?

The NDIS typically does not fund sensory equipment unless it is for very specific reasons.
Many sensory items are also seen as everyday items, or general play equipment. Since October 2024, most everyday items are no longer considered an NDIS support. This could include:

Fidgets
Bluetooth / Noise cancelling headphones
Toys or games
Beanbags, floor rugs, non-adaptive furniture items
Swings

Weighted blankets are deemed to be a high-risk item by the NDIS, particularly for children. They are therefore not able to be funded from your plan without specific permission.

Can I claim it?

Supports are only claimable if they are in accordance with your NDIS plan. You can claim general Sensory Items if:

the specific items have been written into your plan; or
you have written permission from an NDIS delegate for these items.

How do I get permission?

Only the NDIS can decide if a support is reasonable and necessary for you. You can request written confirmation that specific sensory items are in accordance with your NDIS plan by:

Getting in touch with your “My NDIS Contact” as listed on your plan. This may be a planner or LAC.
Lodging an online enquiry via the NDIS website or through your NDIS portal.
Asking the NDIS via email, calling 1800 800 110 or doing a webchat to request your LAC or a planner consider your request.

Once you have written permission for your sensory items, you can send this through to us along with an invoice or receipt. We can then organise payment.

Some suggestions from us

When requesting permission for your sensory items, it helps to have supporting information to give to the NDIS. This could be your personal experience, or a letter from your allied health professional.
The NDIS will want to know these items are:

related to your disability support needs,
evidence-based supports,
value for money compared with other supports,
effective and beneficial,
safe and will not cause harm to you or others, and
the most appropriate support for you, or if there are other supports that would achieve the same or a better result.

You want to show why the equipment is needed to help you with personal care and safety, to do household tasks, or to achieve better long-term outcomes if it is for a child.

Extra Tips

The NDIS does not fund toys, so referring to assistive technology as a ‘toy’ may decrease the chances of being funded for items you’re requesting.
Tools used to redirect harmful or inappropriate behaviours are not ‘sensory’ items. In these cases, supportive evidence should be provided along with the request to the NDIS.