People with disabilities in Western Australia will soon benefit from improved access to affordable assistive technology through a new pilot program launched by the Australian Government. The **$5 million Assistive Technology Rental and Refurbishment Pilot**, managed nationally by **Ability First Australia**, is now being extended to the region.
The initiative enables **Ability WA** to leverage its infrastructure and expertise to recycle and distribute essential disability support equipment. Individuals can choose to purchase, rent, or exchange technology via an online platform. This flexibility allows users to assess the equipment’s effectiveness and adapt their choices as their needs evolve or as children grow.
Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, emphasized the importance of timely access to necessary supports. “We want all Australians with disabilities to be able to access the technology they need, in a timely and affordable manner,” she stated. “The Assistive Technology Rental and Refurbishment pilot program provides an excellent opportunity to do just that.”
The program targets all individuals with disabilities under the age of 65, making it available to those who are not participants in the **National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)**. This inclusive approach aims to empower broader community engagement, particularly with the collaboration of **National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations**.
Program Details and Future Prospects
The pilot has been operational in **South Australia** and **Tasmania** since mid-2025 and is set to conclude across all participating states by **December 2026**. In Western Australia, residents interested in participating can contact **Ability WA** or visit the AccessTech website at www.accesstech.org.au.
The rental and refurbishment model is designed to accommodate people with changing needs. This is especially beneficial for children, who may require different equipment as they develop. Senator McAllister highlighted that “renting and refurbishing assistive technology makes sense. It means people with changing needs, particularly children, aren’t locked into buying equipment that may not be suitable in the long term.”
As the pilot progresses, it holds the potential to transform how individuals with disabilities access essential tools for independent living. By making assistive technology more affordable and flexible, the program represents a significant step forward in supporting the rights and needs of people with disabilities in Western Australia and beyond.
