For NDIS participants
If you have long-term equipment provided by DES, you will have received a letter from DES in August 2020, about transferring the ownership of that equipment to you.
Taking ownership of this equipment is free. If you accept ownership, you need to follow these terms:
- You are responsible for the ongoing care, repair, maintenance and replacement of the equipment, including any associated costs.
- DES will not be liable for any future claim, loss, damage or expense in relation to the equipment.
- You are responsible for any issues that may arise regarding the equipment and you release DES from any obligations in relation to the equipment.
- Unless the equipment has been supplied with written notice confirming it has been tested for electrical safety and found to be electrically safe, you assume it has not been tested.
- You must remove the yellow DES asset label from the equipment promptly.
DES recommends that you make sure your NDIS plan has enough funding to cover future repairs and maintenance costs. You can phone the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
Returning equipment if you do not want to take ownership:
If you do not want to own any of the equipment, you must return those items to DES by Friday 25 September 2020.
If you need further information, or you would like to discuss the return of Equipment please phone DES on 1300 130 302.
Your future equipment needs and repair options:
There are a number of providers of equipment, repair and other services that can now support you. Equipment Repairer options are available and current as at July 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I already own this Equipment?
No. DES is transferring ownership of the equipment to you.
The equipment you will own is listed in the attached “Your Equipment Ownership Record”. Terms of ownership are outlined in “Taking ownership of DES Equipment”.
If you do not want to own the equipment
If you do not want to own the equipment, return the items to DES by Friday 25 September 2020.
For further information, or to discuss the return of Equipment, phone us on 1300 130 302.
How can I access equipment or home modification services?
There are many equipment and home modification providers in South Australia who can provide the services you previously accessed through DES.
Your clinician or Local Area Coordinator may be able to help you with options. You can also refer to the NDIS website for a list of registered providers.
If you need help to locate a suitable provider, phone us on 1300 130 302.
My equipment item needs to be replaced, how can I arrange a replacement?
If you are an NDIS participant, there many situations where the NDIS can help you replace your item without the need for a detailed assessment. The NDIS website has information on Replacing Assistive Technology.
You may need to provide the NDIA with evidence that you currently use the requested equipment. To support your request for a replacement, we recommend you keep the “Your Equipment Ownership Record” provided by DES in a safe place.
How do I arrange repairs for equipment previously supplied by DES?
If you are an NDIS participant, make sure your NDIS plan includes funding for equipment repairs.
Our Equipment Repairers page has information about repairers in your area, and what equipment items they can repair. These are examples of service providers that DES has previously worked with. It is your choice about who you purchase services from in the future.
If you need help to locate a suitable repairer, phone us on 1300 130 302.
My repair is urgent and I don’t have enough funds in my plan, what should I do?
If you are an NDIS participant, the NDIA has an urgent repairs pathway in place that will help you get the repair you need.
It is important you understand how this process works based on your individual situation. To learn more about this process, visit the NDIS page - Urgent assistive technology repairs.
What if I lose my item(s) of equipment or they are stolen, in the future?
If your item is stolen or lost, we recommend that you file a South Australian Police Report.
As the owner of the equipment you are responsible for those items. You may want to consider adding items to your insurance (for example. household contents insurance).
As an NDIS participant, you can check with the NDIA or your Local Area Coordinator if repair and replacement of items is included as part of your NDIS plan. Phone the NDIA on 1800 800 110.
Can I sell my equipment item(s) once I own them?
Yes. Once you own the equipment, it is your property. You can choose what you do with it.
I am an NDIS participant and I want to make a complaint about my provider, how can I do this?
If you have a concern about your current NDIS supports or services, you can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Phone the Commission on 1800 035 544.
Where can I get further information about the NDIS?
Phone the NDIS team on 1800 800 110, or visit the NDIS website.