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.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
There are various options and ways to access technology funding through the NDIS. These can depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Contact us to find out more.
Geat2GO
Geat2GO is a national program designed to help older Australians access to aids, equipment and helpful devices.
For people with vision loss, Geat2GO is a great way to help you fund assistive technology like electronic magnifiers, aids like white canes or talking appliances like microwaves or thermometers.
Vision Australia specialist providers and our Vision Store team can advise on the GEAT2GO funding.
Browse the product range or read the catalogue.
National equipment funding schemes
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, and 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 the job access website.
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.
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 the Work Ventures website or call 1800 112 205.
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.
For more information about Telstra's Disability Equipment Program call the Telstra Disability Hotline on 1800 068 424.
State and Territory based equipment funding schemes
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.
NSW
NSW Spectacles Program - Vision Australia
The NSW Spectacles program provides spectacles, magnifiers and low vision aids once every two years, to eligible people with low vision through a registered program provider. To be eligible, applicants must be permanent residents of NSW and be in receipt of the maximum rate of a Commonwealth pension or benefit, as well as meet the strict criteria of the NSW government's means test and other guidelines. When applying for the program the Client must present a Centrelink Income Statement that is less than three months old.
For further information and to find out your nearest program provider, visit the NSW Spectacles page here, or contact Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66 and ask for the Spectacles program.
Eligibility for this program can be discussed when or if you attend an appointment at Vision Australia.
Enable NSW
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 the Enable NSW website.
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 the NSW Disability Services website.
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 more information visit the TAD website.
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.
Victorian Aids and Equipment Program
The Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (the equipment affordability program) provides people with a permanent or long term disability with subsidised aids and equipment to enhance independence in their home, facilitate community participation and support families and carers in their role. Vision Australia is funded for low cost aids and equipment
Eligible recipients (excludes NDIS participants and Home Care Packages if funding is available) receive information, assistance and the following items at no cost for equipment up to the value of $200 in one transaction per financial year. This includes a variety of items including but not limited to – Badge, Key Tabs, Telephone identifiers, Signature Guides, Pentel Pen, White Cane/tips/trackers (free replacement every 12 months).
To be eligible for the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program the recipient:
- must be a permanent resident of Victoria
- Over 65 years of age on an aged pension and/or have financial hardship.
or
- hold a permanent protection visa, temporary protection visa, or be an asylum seeker
- have a permanent or long term disability and/or are frail aged and
- require aids or equipment from within the available range.
Download fact sheet: You could be eligible for subsidised products and technology (PDF, 618KB).
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.
Vision Australia equipment funding options
Vision Australia's Further Education Bursaries
Each year, Vision Australia awards Further Education Bursaries to a select number of students who are blind or have low vision. The bursaries provide adaptive technology to help the students fully participate and succeed in their chosen studies.
Assistive technology can eliminate barriers to education and enhance access to information. It enables students to read course material, conduct research and improve their student life.
Since the inception of the bursary scheme in 1996, more than 440 students have been supported in their further education journey. Visit our bursary page for more information.
Tax deductions and private health insurance rebates
Specialised assistive technology designed for people with disabilities may be claimed as a tax deduction.
For example, every student with or without a disability may be eligible for a rebate by the Australian Tax Office under the "education tax rebate."
Furthermore, the Australian Tax Office has advised that the cost of some equipment designed for people who are blind or have low vision is now eligible for the medical expenses rebate.
The rebate means that 20% of all eligible expenses above $1,250 can be claimed. Approved products include a talking computer, reading system and video magnifiers, provided they have been prescribed by a medical doctor, optician or optometrist.
We recommend you 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.