Choosing the right Assistive Technology (AT) is about more than finding a suitable product. The equipment needs to work for the individual, supporting their physical requirements, personal goals and everyday environment.
Whether you're exploring a wheelchair, seating system, stander or other specialised equipment, finding the right supplier and understanding the role of your prescribing therapist are important parts of the process.
So, what should you look for in a personalised Assistive Technology provider, and how does Astris PME support the journey?
This guide explores the importance of clinical collaboration, equipment trials, individual configuration, geographic accessibility and ongoing equipment support.
What Makes an Assistive Technology Provider Truly Personalised?
Personalised Assistive Technology goes beyond selecting a product from a catalogue.
For many people, the right solution requires careful consideration of their physical requirements, positioning, functional abilities, everyday activities and environments.
This involves a collaborative approach between the equipment user, their independent prescribing therapist and a specialist AT equipment supplier. Each brings different expertise to the process, with the shared goal of identifying equipment that best supports the individual's needs.
Clinical Prescription and Equipment Expertise: Understanding the Different Roles
For specialised or scripted Assistive Technology, a successful outcome depends on the combined expertise of an independent prescribing therapist and an experienced equipment supplier.
The prescribing therapist
A qualified occupational therapist (OT), physiotherapist (PT) or other appropriately qualified clinician is responsible for the clinical aspects of equipment assessment and prescription.
Acting independently of equipment suppliers and in the interests of the equipment user, the prescribing therapist is responsible for:
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Assessing the individual's clinical needs, physical requirements, functional abilities and goals.
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Evaluating equipment suitability, including positioning, function, safety and environmental considerations.
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Determining appropriate clinical specifications and prescribing equipment.
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Preparing independent clinical reports, recommendations and justification letters required for funding consideration.
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Providing clinical guidance and follow-up as appropriate to the individual's needs.
The Assistive Technology supplier
A specialist equipment supplier, such as Astris PME, contributes extensive product knowledge, technical expertise and practical equipment support.
This includes:
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Identifying potentially suitable equipment options based on the therapist's clinical requirements.
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Arranging product demonstrations and equipment trials.
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Providing product specifications, configuration options and technical information.
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Assisting with equipment setup, adjustments and technical fitting during trials.
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Preparing detailed equipment quotations.
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Supplying, delivering and setting up the selected equipment.
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Providing product operation information and ongoing technical support, servicing and repairs.
Working together for the right outcome
The prescribing therapist provides the independent clinical assessment and prescription, while the equipment supplier provides the product expertise and technical support required to turn that prescription into a practical equipment solution.
At Astris PME, our Specialist Consultants work closely with prescribing therapists, equipment users and their support teams throughout this process.
Astris PME does not provide clinical assessment or therapy services, prepare clinical justification reports or funding submissions, or offer funding pathway advice. These responsibilities remain with the relevant independent professionals and funding authorities.
How Astris PME Approaches Personalised Assistive Technology
Astris PME's Made for Me approach recognises that every person's needs, goals and circumstances are different.
We work alongside prescribing therapists and equipment users to explore suitable products, demonstrate different configurations and identify equipment options that can be tailored to individual requirements.
Individual Configuration Across a Broad Product Range
Astris PME supplies a wide range of specialised Assistive Technology, including:
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Power and manual wheelchairs
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Wheelchair seating and positioning systems
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Standers, walkers and gait trainers
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Hygiene and toileting equipment
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Lifting and transfer equipment
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Paediatric strollers and specialised seating
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Sleep and 24-hour positioning systems
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Power-assist devices and accessories
Our range includes equipment from manufacturers such as CareFlex, Klaxon, Magic Mobility, Motion Composites, Permobil, Rifton, Schuchmann and Spex.
Many of these products offer extensive configuration options, allowing equipment to be tailored to the individual's measurements, positioning requirements, everyday routines and environments.
Our Specialist Consultants assist with the technical aspects of product selection and configuration, working to the clinical requirements identified by the independent prescribing therapist.
Equipment Trials: Finding the Right Fit
Equipment trials are an important part of selecting personalised Assistive Technology.
They provide an opportunity for equipment users and their prescribing therapists to explore different products, evaluate configurations and understand how equipment performs before making a purchasing decision.
Where Can Equipment Trials Take Place?
Astris PME offers equipment trials in a range of settings, subject to product availability, location and individual requirements.
At an Astris PME showroom
Our showrooms provide a dedicated environment for exploring specialised Assistive Technology.
Depending on the location and available equipment, a showroom appointment may offer opportunities to compare different models, explore configuration options and undertake equipment demonstrations with support from our Specialist Consultants.
Showroom trials can be particularly useful during the early stages of equipment selection, when comparing different products and understanding their features.
At home, school, work or another relevant environment
In some circumstances, trialling equipment in the environment where it will be used can provide valuable additional information.
For example, a trial may help the equipment user and prescribing therapist consider access through doorways, manoeuvrability, surfaces, available space and other practical requirements.
Both showroom and real-world trials have benefits. The most appropriate location will depend on the equipment, the goals of the trial and the prescribing therapist's recommendations.
For equipment requiring clinical prescription, we ask that the individual's prescribing therapist be involved in the trial to provide the necessary clinical assessment and guidance.
Are Equipment Trials Free?
Astris PME provides complimentary trials for most products and circumstances.
However, trial availability and conditions vary, and charges may apply in some situations, including:
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Repeated trials of the same or similar equipment.
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Trials requiring significant travel to remote or out-of-area locations.
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Other trial arrangements involving additional resources or logistical requirements.
Our team can confirm trial availability, arrangements and any applicable charges when discussing your booking.
Trial duration also varies depending on the equipment being considered and the individual's requirements. Some trials may be relatively straightforward, while more complex equipment may require additional time or further evaluation.
Where Does Astris PME Provide Equipment Trials and Support?
Astris PME has a growing network of branches and specialist teams across Australia.
Our teams provide access to equipment demonstrations, trials, product support and servicing across their respective service areas.
While we aim to make specialised Assistive Technology accessible to as many people as possible, the availability of mobile trials, delivery and servicing will depend on your location, equipment requirements and the resources available through your nearest branch.
What if you live outside our usual service area?
If you're outside the area serviced by your nearest Astris PME team, you may need to travel to an available showroom or discuss alternative arrangements with us.
In some circumstances, additional travel may be possible, subject to availability and applicable charges.
We recommend contacting your nearest branch before booking to confirm which services are available in your area and whether any additional costs apply.
Find your nearest Astris PME location.
Assistive Technology Funding: Understanding Who Is Responsible
Assistive Technology may be purchased through the NDIS, another funding program or private arrangements.
The relevant funding requirements, clinical evidence and approval processes depend on the individual's circumstances and the funding source.
For equipment requiring clinical prescription, the independent prescribing therapist is responsible for preparing the clinical assessment, equipment justification and supporting clinical documentation.
Astris PME can provide itemised equipment quotations, product specifications and technical information to support the prescribing therapist's work.
However, Astris PME does not provide advice on funding eligibility, funding sources, NDIS plan navigation or funding applications, and does not prepare or submit clinical funding reports on behalf of equipment users.
For information about NDIS funding rules, eligibility and evidence requirements, we recommend consulting the official NDIS Assistive Technology guidance, your independent treating or prescribing professionals, or appropriate funding contacts.
After-Sales Care, Warranty and Ongoing Equipment Support
Choosing Assistive Technology also means considering how the equipment will be maintained, serviced and supported throughout its working life.
Regular servicing can help identify potential issues early, support safe and reliable operation, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected equipment breakdowns.
Before purchasing equipment, it's worth understanding the difference between warranty coverage and ongoing maintenance.
Warranty and Ongoing Maintenance: What's the Difference?
A product warranty generally relates to specific defects or issues covered under the manufacturer's or supplier's warranty terms.
Ongoing maintenance includes regular inspections, servicing, adjustments and repairs that may be required as equipment is used over time.
These are separate arrangements.
Routine servicing, maintenance and repairs outside applicable warranty coverage or Australian Consumer Law rights are generally chargeable. Costs depend on the equipment, work required and any maintenance arrangements in place.
Before purchasing equipment, ask your supplier about warranty terms, recommended servicing schedules, possible repair costs and the availability of ongoing maintenance support.
Astris PME: Made for Me. Supported for Life.
At Astris PME, our commitment to supporting you doesn't end when your equipment is delivered.
Our Made for Me. Supported for Life approach reflects our dedication to providing ongoing technical support, servicing and repairs throughout the life of your equipment.
This is a commitment to ongoing service availability, not a lifetime product warranty or a promise of complimentary servicing and repairs.
Our specialist service technicians can assist with a wide range of equipment, including power and manual wheelchairs, seating systems, standers, walkers, hygiene equipment, lifting equipment and other specialised Assistive Technology.
We also service equipment supplied by other manufacturers and AT providers, subject to equipment suitability, parts availability and service capability.
Planning Ahead with Regular Maintenance
We recommend regular servicing in line with equipment manufacturer guidelines.
Our Ongoing Maintenance Plan is designed to help customers manage scheduled equipment inspections and routine maintenance, making it easier to plan for ongoing care.
Where applicable, recommended servicing costs can also be included in an equipment pricing schedule at the time of purchase.
Additional repairs, replacement parts, labour or call-outs outside an agreed maintenance arrangement may incur separate charges.
Whether your equipment was purchased from Astris PME or another supplier, our team can discuss available servicing and repair options.
Explore Astris PME's servicing and repair services.
Your Checklist for Choosing an Assistive Technology Provider
When comparing personalised AT suppliers, consider the following questions:
1. Clinical collaboration
Does the supplier work effectively with your independent prescribing therapist while respecting the therapist's clinical responsibilities?
2. Product range and configuration
Can the supplier provide suitable equipment options and configure products to meet your therapist's prescribed requirements?
3. Trial availability
Are equipment trials available, where can they take place, and are there any associated charges?
4. Equipment expertise
Does the supplier have knowledgeable product specialists who can explain equipment features, technical specifications and configuration options?
5. Geographic coverage
Does the supplier provide services in your area, or will you need to travel to a showroom or make alternative arrangements?
6. Quotations and documentation
Can the supplier provide clear, itemised equipment quotations and technical documentation for you and your prescribing therapist?
7. Warranty and after-sales support
Are warranty terms clearly explained, and what servicing, repairs and maintenance are available after delivery?
8. Ongoing equipment support
Can the supplier assist with future technical adjustments, repairs, replacement components and maintenance as your equipment requirements evolve?
Take the Next Step with Astris PME
Finding the right Assistive Technology starts with understanding your individual requirements and working with the right people.
At Astris PME, our Specialist Consultants work alongside equipment users and their independent prescribing therapists to explore products, arrange trials and configure equipment around individual needs.
Whether you're exploring your first wheelchair, considering a new standing solution or reviewing existing equipment, our team can help you understand the products and technical options available.
Let's find what works for you.
Contact Astris PME on 1300 131 884 or find your nearest branch to discuss equipment options, trial availability and local support.
