Why BigPurplePhone Qualifies as NDIS Assistive Technology for Communication (And What Your OT Needs to Know)
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Time to read 7 min
Many Occupational Therapists (OTs), support coordinators, and allied health professionals support participants who technically own a smartphone but cannot safely or independently use it in everyday life. Difficulties with navigation, cognitive overload, scam vulnerability, accessibility barriers, and communication challenges can significantly impact independence, safety, and community participation.
In some cases, a simplified and accessible mobile phone such as BigPurplePhone may meet the criteria for NDIS Assistive Technology for Communication by supporting safer, more accessible, and more independent communication.
For OTs, allied health professionals, healthcare workers, support coordinators, and care managers, communication access is an important part of supporting independence, safety, and community participation. At BigPurplePhone, we regularly work with healthcare professionals supporting people living with Parkinson's disease, dementia, cognitive decline, stroke-related deficits, acquired brain injury, vision impairment, arthritis, intellectual disability, autism, and other conditions that can make mainstream technology difficult to use independently.
What Is NDIS Assistive Technology for Communication?
The NDIS defines AT as equipment or devices that help improve a participant's functional capacity and independence.
NDIS assistive technology for communication can include devices that support a participant to:
large icons and simple navigation
- communicate safely and effectively
- maintain social connection
- access emergency support
- participate in the community
- reduce reliance on carers or support workers
For some participants, mainstream smartphones create significant barriers due to:
- complex interfaces
- excessive apps and notifications
- cognitive overload
- small text and icons
- poor accessibility
- scam vulnerability
- difficulty remembering multi-step processes
In these situations, a simplified communication device (such as, anything qualifying as an NDIS assistive technology for communication) may be clinically appropriate. Simplified communication devices may also benefit participants who experience reduced confidence, digital literacy challenges, or difficulty navigating mainstream technology independently. Features such as simplified navigation, scam protection supports, SOS functionality, and optional remote carer management may further support safer, more accessible, and more independent communication.
The table below outlines conditions commonly seen in clinical practice, the communication barriers they create, and the relevant BigPurplePhone features that may address them.
| Condition / Diagnosis | Common Communication Barriers | Relevant BigPurplePhone Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dementia / cognitive decline | Forgets multi-step processes, gets lost in menus, confusion with notifications | Simplified navigation, Safe Callers List, remote carer management via Carers Portal |
| Parkinson’s disease | Tremor, reduced dexterity, difficulty tapping small icons | Large icons, easy-to-answer calls, minimal fine motor interaction required |
| Acquired brain injury (ABI) | Cognitive fatigue, executive dysfunction, processing difficulties | Reduced screen clutter, simplified menus, voice prompt support |
| Stroke-related deficits | Visual field loss, one-handed use, processing and memory difficulties | Large text, simplified layout, SOS emergency functionality |
| Intellectual disability | Difficulty navigating complex apps, scam and financial exploitation vulnerability | Essential apps only, scam protection, optional safe contact management |
| Autism spectrum | Sensory overload from notifications, anxiety around unpredictable interfaces | Reduced notifications, consistent simplified layout |
| Vision impairment | Small icons, low contrast, difficulty reading standard text sizes | Large text, high contrast display, accessibility support features |
| Arthritis / reduced dexterity | Small touchscreen targets, difficulty swiping or precise tapping | Large touch targets, easy call answer, minimal gesture requirement |
Why Simplified Phones Matter
Many healthcare professionals support participants who may technically own a smartphone but experience significant difficulty using it safely, confidently, or independently in everyday life.
This might look like:
- repeatedly becoming lost in menus or settings
- difficulty answering calls
- accidentally deleting contacts
- difficulty navigating apps
- accidentally making purchases
- vulnerability to scam calls or phishing
- inability to contact family during emergencies
- frustration and anxiety around technology use
Sound familiar?
For many participants, the issue is not motivation. The issue is usability.
Any NDIS assistive technology for communication - like a simplified phone designed with accessibility in mind, can reduce cognitive load and help participants communicate more confidently and independently.
Many NDIS participants experience technology abandonment, where devices are purchased but eventually stop being used because they are too confusing, overwhelming, or difficult to navigate. This can contribute to wasted funding, increased frustration, reduced communication, and greater reliance on carers or support workers.
Healthcare professionals and support coordinators are increasingly recognising that accessible technology with reduced complexity and tailored support features may improve long-term usability and participant engagement. When communication technology is practical and easy to use, participants may be better supported to maintain independence, social connection, and community participation. Improved usability may also help reduce social isolation and carer burden by supporting greater independence with routine communication tasks. That's why NDIS assistive technology for communication exists.
How BigPurplePhone Supports Accessibility
BigPurplePhone has been designed specifically for people who struggle with modern smartphones.
Features that may support functional communication include:
- large icons and simple navigation
- reduced screen clutter
- large text and simplified menus
- voice prompts and accessibility support
- easy-to-answer calls
- SOS emergency functionality
- scam protection features
- optional safe contact management
- remote carer support through the Carers Portal
- simplified access to essential apps only
For many participants, these features may improve:
- communication independence
- confidence using technology
- safety and accessibility
- social participation
- ability to contact supports
- reduced carer burden
Functional Justification Language for OTs
When documenting clinical reasoning, healthcare professionals are often focusing on functional limitations rather than the device itself.
Examples of functional justification language may include:
"The participant demonstrates difficulty safely and independently navigating a standard smartphone due to cognitive and executive functioning deficits."
"A simplified communication device with reduced cognitive demand supports the participant's communication, safety, and community participation goals."
"Accessibility features including simplified navigation, large icons, emergency contact functionality, and scam-reduction supports improve functional usability."
"The recommended device reduces reliance on carers for routine communication tasks."
This type of reasoning helps demonstrate how the support relates to participant function and independence.
Scam Protection as a Safety Support
One area becoming increasingly relevant in healthcare and disability settings is digital safety.
Many vulnerable individuals are at increased risk of:
- scam calls
- phishing attempts
- accidental online purchases
- unsafe downloads
- financial exploitation
For participants with cognitive impairment or reduced digital literacy, scam protection features may help support safer communication and reduce risk exposure.
This is not simply about convenience — for some participants, it is a genuine safety support that may be documented as part of clinical justification for the device.
Does an OT Need a Formal AT Report?
In many cases, simplified phones may fall within the NDIS Low-Cost Assistive Technology threshold (generally under $1,500) (NDIS, 2026b). When the device relates to a participant's disability needs and supports their NDIS goals, it may often be purchased using consumables funding. Participants may also discuss potential assistive technology needs during planning so appropriate funding can be included within their plan.
For low-risk items under $1,500, formal AT assessment reports, quotes, supporting evidence, or prior NDIS approval are often not required before purchasing. Depending on the participant's plan, simplified communication devices may sometimes be purchased through:
- Core Supports
- Capacity Building supports
- Self-managed plans
- Plan-managed funding
Suitability and funding eligibility may vary depending on individual participant circumstances and NDIS plans.
The table below summarises each funding pathway for quick reference:
| Funding Type | Who It Suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core Supports | Most participants | May cover everyday communication needs where the device supports daily living goals |
| Capacity Building | Goal-based plans | Linked to independence and community participation goals |
| Self-Managed | Participant-managed plans | Most flexibility — participants can purchase directly and claim reimbursement |
| Plan-Managed | Via a plan manager | Confirm with the participant’s plan manager before purchasing |
Scam Protection as a Safety Support
One area becoming increasingly relevant in healthcare and disability settings is digital safety.
Many vulnerable individuals are at increased risk of:
- scam calls
- phishing attempts
- accidental online purchases
- unsafe downloads
- financial exploitation
For participants with cognitive impairment or reduced digital literacy, scam protection features may help support safer communication and reduce risk exposure.
This is not simply about convenience, for some participants, it is a genuine safety support.
Does an OT Need a Formal AT Report?
In many cases, simplified phones may fall within the NDIS Low-Cost Assistive Technology threshold (generally under $1,500) (NDIS, 2026b). When the device relates to a participant’s disability needs and supports their NDIS goals, it may often be purchased using consumables funding. Participants may also discuss potential assistive technology needs during planning so appropriate funding can be included within their plan.
For low-risk items under $1,500, formal AT assessment reports, quotes, supporting evidence, or prior NDIS approval are often not required before purchasing. Depending on the participant’s plan, simplified communication devices may sometimes be purchased through:
- Core Supports
- Capacity Building supports
- Self-managed plans
- Plan-managed funding
Suitability and funding eligibility may vary depending on individual participant circumstances and NDIS plans.
Communication Technology Should Be Accessible
Technology should improve independence, not create additional barriers.
For many people living with cognitive decline, neurological conditions, reduced dexterity, or accessibility challenges, simplified communication devices can play an important role in maintaining connection, safety, and independence.
At BigPurplePhone, we believe technology should finally make sense for the people using it.
To learn more about NDIS funding pathways or how BigPurplePhone may support participant communication goals, explore our claiming guides or contact our team for healthcare-focused online education sessions and demonstrations
FAQs
Does BigPurplePhone qualify as NDIS assistive technology?
In many cases, yes. BigPurplePhone may qualify as low-cost assistive technology for communication where it relates to a participant’s disability needs and supports their NDIS goals. Funding eligibility will depend on the individual participant’s plan and circumstances.
What NDIS funding category can cover a simplified phone?
A simplified communication phone may be funded through Core Supports, Capacity Building, or via self-managed or plan-managed funding depending on the participant’s plan and goals. Discuss options with the participant’s support coordinator or plan manager.
Does a participant need an OT report to buy BigPurplePhone with NDIS funding?
For low-cost AT items under $1,500, a formal OT assessment report is generally not required before purchasing. However, documenting clinical reasoning in progress notes remains good practice, particularly where funding is linked to a specific support category.
Can Core Supports be used to fund a phone?
Core Supports may cover a simplified communication phone where it supports the participant’s everyday communication needs as they relate to their disability. Check with the participant’s plan manager or the NDIS directly if unsure.
What conditions may support a clinical justification for a simplified phone?
Conditions that commonly support clinical justification include dementia, cognitive decline, acquired brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, stroke-related deficits, vision impairment, intellectual disability, autism, and arthritis — or any condition where mainstream technology creates a meaningful functional barrier to communication.
Is BigPurplePhone under the $1,500 low-cost AT threshold?
Yes — BigPurplePhone devices generally fall within the NDIS low-cost AT threshold, meaning formal AT assessment reports and prior NDIS approval are typically not required. Always check the current NDIS guidelines for the most up-to-date threshold information.
Can BigPurplePhone be purchased through My Aged Care?
Yes. BigPurplePhone may also be accessible through My Aged Care Home Care Packages and CHSP funding. See the BigPurplePhone claiming guide for more information.
Lauren Henderson