Does Eastham mean any AT claim where the s 24 impairment is mentioned will succeed?

No. The decision clarifies the standard. That is, that contributory causation rather than sole or dominant causation, but the causal connection must still be genuine. Delegates and the Tribunal assess each case on its facts. Weak or poorly documented claims will still fail. What the decision removes is the NDIA’s ability to rely on the existence of a second contributing factor to defeat an otherwise well-grounded claim.

Does this apply to low-cost AT, not just expensive items like mobility scooters?

The court’s ruling on s 34(1)(aa) — the contributory causation standard — is not limited to high-value items. It is a general interpretation of the statutory test that applies to any support claim under that provision.

My AT looks like something anyone could buy. Does Eastham help?

Potentially, but with an important nuance. The court confirmed that items are characterised by their inherent design character, not by participant-specific use. However, for items facing objection under the “everyday items” or “general living costs” exclusions (rather than items 6(b) and 6(f) addressed in Eastham), different provisions apply. The documentation approach remains the same: demonstrate the item’s specific functional purpose for this participant.

Will this decision change what the NDIA does at first review stage?

Not immediately. The NDIA has not updated its operational guidance. Delegates may continue applying the old approach until guidelines are updated. The decision’s practical value is greatest in review and Tribunal proceedings — which is why building strong documentation from the outset matters.

What is the difference between the Transitional Rules and the permanent rules?

The 2024 Transitional Rules are temporary instruments enacted to manage the transition to the new planning framework. They will be replaced by permanent rules. Justice Hespe’s decision interprets the test under these transitional rules. If the permanent rules are worded differently, the analysis may change.

Can the NDIS fund AT for a condition that wasn’t my access disability?

Yes — the key question is whether the AT is related to your disability support need s and meets the reasonable and necessary criteria, not whether it matches the single impairment that originally supported access. In practice, the NDIA (and the Tribunal/Court in Eastham-related reporting) focus on whether there is a real link between your impairment(s) and the functional need the AT addresses.

What evidence proves “contributory cause”?

Evidence “proves” contributory cause when it clearly shows how your impairment contributes to the functional problem the AT solves , even if other factors also contribute. The strongest evidence package usually includes: Functional evidence describing what you can’t do safely/reliably without the item (OT/physio report, FCA extracts, clinical notes). A clear “link statement” : impairment → functional impact → why this AT addresses it. Real-world context (your environment and routines), because reasonable and necessary decisions are made against your actual disability support needs , not a hypothetical situation. (Eastham-related public reporting highlights the combined impacts and practical barriers being central to the reasoning.)

Does Eastham apply to low-cost AT under $1,500?

Eastham is a legal decision about how the disability-link test is applied; the “under $1,500” threshold is an NDIA process category , not a different legal test. NDIA guidance says: Low cost AT is under $1,500 per item . For low cost AT, you can generally tell the NDIA what you need without specific written evidence , though some low-cost items that are high risk may need written evidence from an AT advisor . So: Eastham-type reasoning (disability link based on functional need) is relevant, but low-cost AT often requires less paperwork unless risk is higher .

What if the NDIA says it’s “transport” or a “general living cost”?

That’s a common refusal framing. Your job is to bring it back to the NDIA’s published test: Is it related to your disability support needs? Is it an everyday living cost not related to disability needs (e.g., groceries, rent, utilities)? If yes, it’s usually excluded. Is it actually AT/equipment that helps you function or participate , rather than paying for ordinary transport costs? If the NDIA labels it “transport”, respond by clarifying the character of the item: “This is assistive equipment to address a functional limitation and enable access, not a request to fund everyday travel costs.” (Then show the functional evidence and why alternatives aren’t workable.)

Do environmental factors like distance to public transport matter?

Yes — environment and access realities can matter because decisions must reflect your actual situation and disability support needs , not a generic assumption that “transport exists.” Public reporting about Eastham emphasises practical barriers (including access) in the reasoning pathway.

Do I need an OT letter for low-cost AT?

Not always. NDIA guidance says for low cost AT (<$1,500) you can generally tell them what you need without specific written evidence , but some low-cost items that may be high risk can require written evidence from an AT advisor . A practical rule for LowCost AT: if the item is higher risk, specialised, or likely to be challenged, an OT/AT advisor note is usually a smart defensive move — but it’s not universally mandatory for all low-cost items.

What’s the fastest way to strengthen my AT justification?

Fastest = tighten the logic chain so an NDIA delegate can say “yes” quickly: One-sentence functional problem (what fails, how often, what risk). One-sentence disability link (impairment contributes to that problem). One-sentence “why this item” (how it solves it, measurable outcome). One-sentence alternatives (what was tried / why not suitable). Cost and value (why it’s reasonable, effective, value for money). If you only add one thing: add functional evidence + a clean link statement (impairment → need → item).

What do I do if my AT request is refused?

Ask for the refusal reasons in writing and identify the exact ground (e.g., “not related to disability”, “day-to-day living cost”, “mainstream responsibility”, “value for money”). Add targeted evidence that addresses that specific ground (don’t re-submit the same pack). Request an internal review with a short, structured submission using the NDIA’s own reasonable and necessary criteria. If still refused, you can consider external merits review pathways (noting the system has changed over time); get advice for your specific circumstances.

1 1

LowCost AT

The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Enhance Thoughts, Mindfulness & Life Actions

$99.99

Liquid error (snippets/price line 89): divided by 0% OFF

In stock

Product variants

Justification The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Enhance Thoughts, Mindfulness & Life Actions is a valuable tool designed to help individuals reduce stress, improve mindfulness, and take meaningful actions in their lives. This deck features 101 evidence-based CBT practices and serves as an effective low cost assistive technology to support mental well-being and emotional regulation. Why The CBT Deck is Important for NDIS Participants: Development of Emotional Regulation Skills: This card deck provides structured practices that help individuals learn to calm and redirect their thoughts, reducing anxiety and stress. By using these evidence-based CBT techniques, participants can develop coping mechanisms that support their emotional well-being. As a low cost assistive technology, this deck offers an accessible solution for building essential emotional regulation skills. Supports Mindfulness and Presence: The CBT Deck promotes the development of mindfulness and presence, helping individuals become more connected and engaged in the present moment. This enhanced self-awareness allows participants to better navigate daily challenges and build positive relationships. This low cost assistive technology fosters essential competencies for emotional growth and well-being. Versatile Use in Various Settings: Whether used at home, in school, or during therapy sessions, this card deck is a versatile resource. It can be incorporated into daily routines, classroom activities, and therapeutic exercises, making it a valuable tool for parents, educators, and therapists. This low cost assistive technology is designed to fit seamlessly into different environments to support individuals' emotional development. Practical and Empowering: The 101 cards are user-friendly, with easy-to-follow instructions that empower individuals to independently use the deck. By providing practical strategies for overcoming self-limiting beliefs and choosing actions that build the life they want, this tool helps build resilience and emotional regulation over time. The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Enhance Thoughts, Mindfulness & Life Actions is an invaluable low cost assistive technology that enhances the quality of life for NDIS participants. By supporting the development of emotional regulation skills, mindfulness, and resilience, this card deck aligns with the NDIS criteria for reasonable and necessary supports. It contributes to the capacity-building and therapeutic goals outlined in participants' NDIS plans, making it a vital resource for fostering emotional growth and well-being.

Building Capacity & Independence

Calm Thoughts: Techniques to soothe and focus your mind, reducing anxiety.
Overcome Beliefs: Break free from self-limiting negative thought patterns.
Mindfulness & Actions: Practices to enhance presence and intentional living.
Low Cost Assistive Technology: Affordable tool for mental well-being.
Portable & Convenient: Compact size for easy use at home, work, or on the go.

NDIS Claims Ready Code: 03_222100911_0124_1_1

What does "Claims Ready" mean?

Support Item: Low Cost AT - Communication or Cognitive Support

Category: ["Category 03: Consumables"]

Our products are curated to support a range of disability-related needs and to assist participants to pursue their individual NDIS goals, in line with the principles of choice and control.

The term “NDIS Claims Ready” refers to our documentation and invoicing process, which is designed to support participants, nominees, support coordinators and plan managers when submitting a claim.

Important: It does not guarantee funding. Whether an item is funded depends on the participant’s disability-related needs, their approved plan and goals, and whether the item is considered reasonable and necessary by the NDIA or the participant’s Plan Manager.

View our full NDIS Claim Information Guide →

View full details

Reduce the impact of cognitive dysregulation and build emotional resilience with The CBT Deck. Classified as low cost assistive technology, this therapeutic resource is a critical tool for NDIS participants living with psychosocial disabilities, anxiety disorders, ADHD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. It serves as a portable cognitive scaffold, providing structured, actionable strategies to manage complex emotional states.

Navigating daily life with a heightened nervous system can lead to significant barriers in social participation and independent living. This deck provides 101 evidence-based practices grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help participants identify and redirect unhelpful thought patterns. By translating clinical concepts into accessible, daily exercises, it empowers the user to self-regulate in real-time. Whether used at home or in a community setting, these cards act as a "circuit breaker" for negative thought loops, helping to lower arousal levels and promote intentional, value-aligned actions.

How This Device Supports NDIS Participants

Cognitive Restructuring: Assists participants in identifying and challenging "self-limiting beliefs" and negative thought spirals, which is essential for those with depression or anxiety related to their disability.
Emotional Self-Regulation: Provides immediate, tactile prompts to soothe the mind during periods of sensory or emotional overwhelm, helping to prevent behavioral escalation.
Executive Function Support: The "Action" category of cards helps participants move from thought to execution, supporting goals related to task initiation and intentional decision-making.
Mindfulness & Grounding: Teaches techniques to remain engaged in the present moment, reducing the "mental noise" that can interfere with daily tasks and community engagement.

Key Features & Benefits

101 Evidence-Based Practices: A vast library of therapeutic exercises ensuring the participant has a diverse range of tools to suit different situational needs.
Portable "Therapist in a Pocket": Compact and durable, allowing for consistent support during travel, work, or therapy appointments to ensure continuity of care.
User-Friendly Australian English: Clear, accessible language that simplifies complex clinical techniques for participants and support workers alike.
Categorised Skill Sets: Organized into sections for thoughts, presence, and action, making it easy to find the specific support needed at any given moment.
Non-Invasive Intervention: A drug-free, self-managed resource that fosters autonomy and reduces reliance on constant 1:1 supervision for emotional maintenance.

Package Includes

1 x The CBT Deck (101 Practice Cards)
1 x Storage Box

NDIS CLAIMS READY

Funding & Eligibility

This product is designed to support daily living goals and is generally compliant with Core - Consumables funding.

Support Item Name: Low Cost AT - Communication Or Cognitive Support
Support Item Number: 03_222100911_0124_1_1
Budget Category: Core - Consumables

How to Order:

Plan Managed: Add to cart and select "NDIS Checkout". This generates a formal tax invoice for your Plan Manager to pay via email.
Self Managed: Purchase online for an instant tax invoice, or use "NDIS Checkout" if you prefer an invoice to upload to the MyPlace portal before paying.
NDIA (Agency) Managed: Use the "NDIS Checkout" to generate a quote. We will then arrange a service booking (endorsement might be required).

*Participant's funding eligibility is subject to their individual NDIS plan goals.

The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Enhance Thoughts, Mindfulness & Life Actions is a valuable tool designed to help individuals reduce stress, improve mindfulness, and take meaningful actions in their lives. This deck features 101 evidence-based CBT practices and serves as an effective low cost assistive technology to support mental well-being and emotional regulation.

Why The CBT Deck is Important for NDIS Participants:

Development of Emotional Regulation Skills:

This card deck provides structured practices that help individuals learn to calm and redirect their thoughts, reducing anxiety and stress. By using these evidence-based CBT techniques, participants can develop coping mechanisms that support their emotional well-being. As a low cost assistive technology, this deck offers an accessible solution for building essential emotional regulation skills.

Supports Mindfulness and Presence:

The CBT Deck promotes the development of mindfulness and presence, helping individuals become more connected and engaged in the present moment. This enhanced self-awareness allows participants to better navigate daily challenges and build positive relationships. This low cost assistive technology fosters essential competencies for emotional growth and well-being.

Versatile Use in Various Settings:

Whether used at home, in school, or during therapy sessions, this card deck is a versatile resource. It can be incorporated into daily routines, classroom activities, and therapeutic exercises, making it a valuable tool for parents, educators, and therapists. This low cost assistive technology is designed to fit seamlessly into different environments to support individuals' emotional development.

Practical and Empowering:

The 101 cards are user-friendly, with easy-to-follow instructions that empower individuals to independently use the deck. By providing practical strategies for overcoming self-limiting beliefs and choosing actions that build the life they want, this tool helps build resilience and emotional regulation over time.

The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Enhance Thoughts, Mindfulness & Life Actions is an invaluable low cost assistive technology that enhances the quality of life for NDIS participants. By supporting the development of emotional regulation skills, mindfulness, and resilience, this card deck aligns with the NDIS criteria for reasonable and necessary supports. It contributes to the capacity-building and therapeutic goals outlined in participants' NDIS plans, making it a vital resource for fostering emotional growth and well-being.

Some products are shipped through authorised logistics partners, including Amazon. Your purchase is always with LowCost AT, and we remain your responsible Australian supplier and NDIS registered provider.

The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Enhance Thoughts, Mindfulness & Life Actions