In the modern world, “literacy” isn’t just about reading and writing—it’s about digital literacy. For NDIS participants, being “tech-savvy” can be the ultimate independence booster. From opening your front door with a voice command to navigating Melbourne’s public transport with confidence, technology is opening doors that were once firmly shut.

At Truecare Support Services, we believe that when you master technology, you master your environment. Here is how digital tools are revolutionizing independent living this year.

1. The “Hands-Free” Home: Voice & Automation

For participants with limited mobility or dexterity, smart home technology is a game-changer. Using devices like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, you can control your entire environment without lifting a finger:

• Lighting & Climate: “Hey Google, turn the hallway lights to 50%.”

   

• Security: Video doorbells allow you to see and speak to visitors from your phone or tablet before opening the door.

   

• Daily Routines: Set automated reminders for medications, appointments, or even a morning prompt to start your day.

   

2. Navigating the Community with Confidence

Getting from A to B can be one of the biggest hurdles to independence. Digital literacy helps you navigate the “real world” using real-time data:

• Accessible Transport: Apps like Anytrip or the PTV app show you exactly when the next low-floor tram is arriving. New “See Me” technology (now trialing) even allows you to signal a bus driver digitally so you aren’t missed at the stop.

   

• Wayfinding: Wheelmap and Google Maps now offer “accessible routes,” helping you avoid stairs, steep hills, or narrow pavements before you even leave the house.

3. Mastering the “Digital Errand”

Independence also means managing your own household. Digital literacy allows you to handle essential tasks from the comfort of your home:

• Grocery Delivery: Apps like Coles, Woolworths, or Milkrun make it easy to meal plan and shop without the physical strain of a supermarket trip.

• Financial Control: Using banking apps and the my NDIS portal allows you to track your budget and manage your supports in real-time, giving you true “Choice and Control” over your funding.

   

4. How the NDIS Supports Your Digital Journey

Many participants don’t realize that the NDIS can often fund the training required to use these technologies. Under Capacity Building, you may be able to access:

• Individual Skills Development: Working with a support worker to learn how to use new apps or devices.

   

• Assistive Technology (AT): Funding for specialized hardware or software (like AAC communication apps) that helps you overcome disability-specific barriers