Equipment Funding Options
A range of funding options are available to people who are blind or have low vision to access equipment and technology they may not be able to afford. However these often depend on your financial status and where you live.
This fact sheet can be downloaded as a word document or viewed in your browser.
On this page:
1. National equipment funding schemes
1.1 Job Access Workplace Modifications
The Workplace Modifications Scheme pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special equipment for new employees with disability. It is also available to existing employees if they have a change in duties, career progression, change in disability or a new modification becomes available that would increase their productivity.
Access to this funding requires applicants to undergo a formal assessment process. Eligibility for this program can be discussed when or if you attend an appointment at Vision Australia. For further information visit this website: www.jobaccess.gov.au
1.2 Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
DVA funds a range of magnifiers and other low vision aids as well as everyday living and high cost equipment (such as video magnifiers, talking bar code scanner, reading machines) to eligible veterans who are blind or have low vision. Gold card holders and eligible White card holders (where the specific condition affects their vision) can access equipment.
Access to this funding requires applicants to undergo a formal assessment process. Eligibility for this program can be discussed when or if you attend an appointment at Vision Australia.
1.3 Work Ventures
Work Ventures offers desktop computers from $250 which come installed with MS Windows XP Pro, Office XP and AVG anti-virus. This service is available nationwide for people in possession of a current Federal Government benefits card.
For further information visit this website: http://connectit.workventures.net.au/wv/new/default.aspx.
1.4 Telstra Disability Equipment Program
Telstra's Disability Equipment Program provides telecommunications equipment designed for people with disabilities to Telstra customers. Available equipment includes a big button telephone, Telstra bills in large print or braille and a braille TTY.
Information about Telstra's Disability Equipment Program can be found at http://www.telstra.com.au/disability/catalogue/index.htm or by calling the Telstra Disability Hotline on 1800 068 424.
1.5 Visual Independence Funding Grants for ID Mate talking bar code scanner
Priced at over $1,000, the ID Mate talking barcode scanner is a portable all-in-one product that allows an individual to identify items by scanning the product barcode. Visual Independence provides funding grants that subsidise the cost of the ID Mate. Applicants must meet objective selection criteria. For further information visit this website: www.visualindependence.org.au
1.6 Quantum Technology scholarships
Quantum Technology is an adaptive technology supplier that offers a range of product scholarships to successful applicants. Scholarships include a Mountbatten Brailler and JAWS Screen reader software.
For more information see: www.quantumtechnology.com.au
2. State and Territory based equipment funding schemes
2.1 ACT
ACT Low Vision Aids Scheme
The ACT Low Vision Aids Scheme is available to people with low vision residing in ACT who have a Pension or Health Care card. The scheme will pay up to $100, every two years, towards the cost of magnifiers and other low vision aids.
Clients are required to pay the difference if aids are over this amount. Eligibility for this program can be discussed when or if you attend an appointment at Vision Australia.
2.2 NSW
Government Spectacle Program - VisionCare NSW
VisionCare NSW provides spectacles, magnifiers and low vision aids to the value of $230, once every two years, to eligible people with low vision.
To be eligible, applicants must be permanent residents of NSW and be in receipt of the maximum rate of a Commonwealth pension or benefit. They must also meet the criteria of the NSW government's means test and other guidelines.
For further information contact VisionCare NSW on (02) 9344 4122 or Freecall 1800 806 851 (non-metropolitan callers). Eligibility for this program can be discussed when or if you attend an appointment at Vision Australia.
Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP)
This is a means tested equipment funding scheme for people with disabilities. PADP funds items such as braillers, video magnifiers/CCTVs, adaptive technology software, and vibrating paging systems for people who are deafblind.
Children and adults with a permanent disability can apply and if funding is granted a $100 co-payment is required.
For more information visit this website: www.enable.health.nsw.gov.au
Family Assistance Fund
Families with a child with a disability are eligible to obtain $2000 of equipment funding per year for that child.
For more information visit this website: http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/People+with+a+disability/Services+for+families.htm
Technical Aid to the Disabled
The Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD) or Gale Computer Loan Service refurbishes donated computers and loans these to people with disabilities. Volunteers refurbish computers and peripherals e.g. printers and scanners, install software and assist in installing computers in clients' homes (service only available in Sydney). Ongoing technical support is provided during work hours.
For Further information visit this website: http://www.technicalaidnsw.org.au/Services/Computers/computers.php.
2.3 Victoria
Victorian Eyecare Service (VES)
Permanent residents of Victoria who have a pensioner concession card or who have held a health care card for at least six months can access low cost glasses and contact lenses. The VES does not fund magnifiers or other low vision aids.
Aids and Equipment Program
Vision Australia receives funding to administer equipment subsidies for Victorians who are blind or have low vision (this is funding from the Aids and Equipment Program). This funding is used to fund equipment for Victorian clients through the Equipment Affordability Scheme, free cane provision and general equipment price subsidies. Eligibility for this program can be discussed when or if you attend an appointment at Vision Australia.
Green PC
Green PC offer refurbished desktop computers and laptops. Desktop computers start at $99. This service is available to residents living in Victoria.
For further information visit this website: www.greenpc.com.au
2.4 Queensland
Green PC
Green PC offer refurbished desktop computers and laptops. Desktop computers start at $99. This service is available to residents living in Queensland.
For further information visit this website: www.greenpc.com.au
2.5 Northern Territory
Territory Independence Mobility Equipment Scheme (TIMES)
Northern Territory's TIMES equipment funding program is said to fund equipment for people who are blind or have low vision but this is yet to be tested.
3. Departments of Education, Catholic Education and Independent Schools
Funding available through the Department of Education and the Catholic and Independent Schools systems vary from state-to-state. They often rely on existing loan pools which mean access to more current technology is sometimes limited. You can discuss funding options with vision support teachers and the student's school.
Funding through tertiary institutions is often non-existent. Vision Australia's Further Education Bursaries can be explored. See below.
4. Vision Australia equipment funding options
4.1 Vision Australia's Recycled Equipment Pool
Vision Australia maintains a pool of donated equipment that its clients can access. Recycled equipment is loaned to clients who may be unable to afford equipment and are not eligible for other funding schemes. Low and high cost items are supplied depending on availability.
Eligibility for this program can be discussed when or if you attend an appointment at Vision Australia.
4.2 Vision Australia's Equipment Affordability Scheme
The Equipment Affordability Scheme aims to ensure that clients experiencing financial hardship will be able to obtain equipment essential for their safety and independence in basic everyday activities at the time of assessment and service delivery.
Eligibility criteria apply and this Scheme is designed as a last resort when all other government funding programs have been exhausted and a suitable product is not available from Vision Australia's Recycled Equipment Pool.
Eligibility for this program can be discussed when or if you attend an appointment at Vision Australia.
4.3 Vision Australia's Further Education Bursaries
Up to $6000 worth of equipment and technology is funded to people who are blind or have low vision enrolling into some form of tertiary education. An application process exists.
Eligibility for this program can be discussed when or if you attend an appointment at Vision Australia.
5. Tax Deductions and Private Health Insurance Rebates
Specialised assistive technology designed for people with disabilities may be claimed as a tax deduction. Please consult with your tax agent or the Australian Taxation Office prior to purchasing any equipment.
Some private health insurance companies will reimburse the partial cost of some items such as magnifiers depending on your insurance coverage. Please contact your health insurance provider prior to purchasing any equipment.