Equipment, Assistive Technology and Support Programs for People Living with CIDP in Australia

People living with CIDP may experience challenges with mobility, balance, strength, endurance, daily activities and community participation. Walking aids such as AFOs and equipment like a shower chair may be needed. Across Australia, government-funded programs may help people access assistive technology and equipment.

Relevance to People Living with CIDP

For people with CIDP, these programs may help provide access to:

• Mobility aids such as walking frames, scooters and wheelchairs

• Orthoses and other mobility support

• Seating and positioning equipment

• Bathroom and personal care equipment

• Transfer and lifting equipment

• Home access modifications

• Other technology to support independence, safety and participation in daily life

The specific equipment available depends on an individual's functional needs, eligibility and the criteria of the relevant State or National program.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national disability support scheme that may fund a broad range of disability-related supports for eligible participants, including:

• Assistive technology and mobility equipment

• Home modifications

• Therapy and capacity-building supports

• Personal care and daily living assistance

• Supports that promote independence and community participation

State-Based Equipment Programs

In addition to the NDIS, most Australian states operate government-funded equipment programs that provide assistive technology and equipment for eligible people with disability, chronic health conditions or age-related impairments.

Victoria - State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP)

The State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP) provides subsidies for assistive technology, aids and equipment, vehicle modifications, continence products, oxygen equipment and related services to support independent living and community participation. Applications are typically completed through a qualified health professional. [swep.bhs.org.au], https://www.health.vic.gov.au/supporting-independent-living/victorian-aids-and-equipment-program

New South Wales - EnableNSW

EnableNSW provides assistive technology and related services to support mobility, communication and self-care. They may need walking aids such as AFOs and equipment like a shower chair. Equipment funded may include wheelchairs, hoists, shower commodes, communication devices and continence products. https://www.enable.health.nsw.gov.au/services/aep

Queensland - Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS)

The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) provides funding for medical aids and equipment for eligible Queenslanders with a permanent and stable condition or disability. Equipment may include mobility aids, orthoses, communication aids, continence aids, home oxygen and daily living equipment. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/mass

South Australia - DHS Equipment Program

The DHS Equipment Program funds equipment and home modifications for eligible South Australians. Areas supported include mobility, transfers, bathing and personal care, pressure management, seating, communication and home access modifications. https://equipmentprogram.sa.gov.au/

Western Australia - Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP)

The Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP) provides equipment and home modifications for people with long-term health conditions, disability or age-related functional impairment. The program aims to improve independence, safety and participation in everyday life. https://www.wa.gov.au/service/health-care/community-health-services/community-aids-and-equipment-program-caep

Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory

Equipment and assistive technology supports are also available through jurisdiction-specific health and community services programs. Funding pathways may vary and can include state or territory health services, community equipment schemes, aged care programs and the NDIS, depending on individual circumstances.

Can Someone Access Both the NDIS and a State Equipment Program?

Yes. Some people living with CIDP may access supports through both the NDIS and a state-based equipment program such as SWEP, EnableNSW, MASS, the DHS Equipment Program or CAEP.

However, government funding programs generally seek to avoid duplication of funding, meaning the same item of equipment or support would not usually be funded by more than one scheme.

The funding pathway for a particular support depends on: individual circumstances, clinical need, eligibility requirements, responsibilities of each funding program.

As a result, a person with CIDP may receive some supports through the NDIS while accessing other equipment or services through a state-based program, provided the same item is not being funded twice.

Summary

NDIS and state-based equipment programs can play complementary roles in

supporting independence and quality of life. While the NDIS may provide broader disability-related supports for eligible participants, programs such as SWEP (Victoria), EnableNSW (New South Wales), MASS (Queensland), the DHS Equipment Program (South Australia) and CAEP (Western Australia) are pathways for accessing AFOs, other mobility equipment and home modifications. These programs may be particularly valuable for individuals who do not have NDIS funding, are unable to access the NDIS, or require support through state and territory health systems.

Thanks to Natalie Hamam, Senior Occupational Therapist for kindly reviewing this document for accuracy.

All websites accessed October 2026