Being able to transport may it be to your therapy ,park or grocery store may pose a challenge specially if your vehicle has limitations to facilitate your current situation. That is why the NDIA has allowed vehicle modification funding as long as it is reasonable and necessary to achieve your goals .
Vehicle modification does not mean the NDIA will pay for the purchase of your vehicle but rather it willl fund modifications to your vehicle.It falls under the NDIS Capital Supports category under Assistive Technology. Vehicle modification range from grab bar, swivel seat, postural support or transfer board mobility aid hoists, ramps or special steering/braking/accelerator control systems.
In terms of grants, this will undergo the same process just like any other NDIS funding . The NDIA will consider things like :
Is the vehicle aged less than five years, under 80,000kms?Is the vehicle old or has higher mileage? ,funding may still be granted for the latter as long as it is cost effective.
Are the modifications assessed by a qualified professional AT?
Is the vehicle owned by the participant? or owned by someone else but is used by the participant to meet transportation needs?
Whether the participant or other person can afford the ongoing vehicle running costs which include registration, regular insurance, fuel, repairs and maintenance.
For participants who wish to take charge of the driver's seat, the NDIA will consider the following things :
an evaluation by a medical practitioner using the national ‘Assessing Fitness to Drive’ medical standards;
a driving assessment by a driver trained Occupational Therapist; or
a driving assessment by the state licensing authority.
The NDIA specifically stressed the importance of value for money when granting vehicle modification funding, so what do they really mean when they say value for money?Below are the things being considered by the NDIA:
Are the proposed vehicle modifications the best alternative to support the participant’s driving or transport needs?
Will the modification help achieve the participant’s specific needs rather than the costly alternative?
The cost of vehicle modifications compared to the cost of other funded transport supports over the life of the vehicle for example vehicle modification cost versus modified taxi fares or personal assistance cost.
Anticipated use and expected longevity of the modified vehicle; and will it require a unique engineering solution?
Vehicle modifications are aimed at assisting the participant on a long term basis to address their transport needs, in the event that the vehicle needs further modifications it should be under exceptional circumstances so that the funding will be approved.
If you think you are eligible for the funding, then talk to your LAC or Support Coordinator.This may also be an opportunity for you to ask about being plan managed so that you do not have to worry about paying your service provider for your vehicle modification on time.Be part of our growing family and contact Yogi Care NDIS Plan Management TODAY.