ECDS
The Electronic Communication Devices Scheme (ECDS) is a Victorian state government funded service that subsidises communication devices, software, apps and mounting systems.
ECDS Application Form
ecds@yooralla.com.au
03 9633 6946
Funding of up to $9500 is provided by the Department of Health (DOH) Aids and Equipment Program (A&EP), for people of all ages who are not eligible for the NDIS and who require support for verbal communication, including both voice output and written communication e.g. texting, instant messaging, email etc.
The scheme also provides funding for specialised equipment to make it physically easier for people with disability to use communication devices such as switches and mounting systems.
Once we receive a request from your speech pathologist or occupational therapist and you are eligible to access funding via the ECDS (see further below), the requested equipment is purchased and sent to your therapist who will set it up for you.
All equipment items are provided on long term hire which means you keep the device or equipment for as long as you need it.
If an equipment item costs more than $9500, you may be able to access some additional funding elsewhere to enable purchase of the device.
Examples of funded equipment include:
- communication devices i.e. communication devices that provide support for verbal and written communication (including iPads)
- software and apps to support verbal and written communication
- voice amplifiers which increase speech volume
- external speakers for communication devices
- mounting systems to hold the device in position, and
- special switches to allow people to use the device, for example for individuals who cannot directly press / tap keys or the screen on a device
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the ECDS, you or your client need to:
- be a permanent resident of Victoria or
- hold a Permanent Protection Visa or Humanitarian Visa or be an asylum seeker and
- require assistive technology on a permanent or long-term basis for a health or ageing-related need
People with a disability who do not meet National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) eligibility due to age, residency status or functional impairment level can also apply to the ECDS.
For further information on eligibility for the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VAEP) visit the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program on the Health VIC website
How to Apply
A speech pathologist can apply on behalf of their client for communication devices, apps and software. An occupational therapist can apply on behalf of their client for mounting systems, software and access methods e.g. switch, eye gaze.
Complete the Speech Pathology Report Form or the Occupational Therapy Report Form and also the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program form, if your client has not applied to the program before, and email to ecds@yooralla.com.au
ECDS Application Form
Repairs
Funding for repairs and maintenance is also provided by the ECDS. If your device needs servicing or repair, we will arrange this for you.
Reissue
We also operate a reissue scheme so if you are unable to access gap funding, you may be able to receive a more expensive device as a reissue item.
We also have a library of second hand devices available for hire so if the device you need costs more than the maximum funding amount to purchase i.e. $7000 and you don’t have any funding to pay the difference in cost, then if we have one available in our library, you will be able to hire the device at no additional cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
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Am I eligible for funding through the Electronic Communication Devices Scheme?
To be eligible for the ECDS, you need to:
- be a permanent resident of Victoria or
- hold a Permanent Protection Visa or Humanitarian Visa or be an asylum seeker and
- require assistive technology on a permanent or long-term basis for a health or ageing-related need
People with a disability who do not meet National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) eligibility due to age, residency status or functional impairment level can also apply to the ECDS.
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How much funding is available?
- The ECDS provides up to $9500 to purchase a speech generating device, software or app/s, switches
- Funding for mounting systems can be provided up to $2300.
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What happens if the device I want costs more than $9500?
You will need to pay the difference in cost.
- We can arrange payment of $9500 directly to the supplier and then the remaining cost will be paid by you or your funding source
- If you contribute to the cost of the device, you can choose to own it outright.. This means that you will be responsible for repairs and maintenance
- The ECDS will fund postage / courier costs.
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Will I receive a new speech generating device?
Not always, if we have a second hand device in our library, this will be the first option.
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Can I apply for an iPad?
Yes you can apply for an iPad as long as it is to be used as a communication device.
We also usually recommended a sturdy case to protect the iPad.
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What model iPad will I receive?
The current base model wifi only iPad is supplied (64Gb) as this is sufficient to support most communication apps,
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How many apps can I apply for?
- Usually we provide one communication app to be used on the iPad however if additional apps are required, please request these on your application providing clinical justification.
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Can I apply for an iPhone?
No, the Aids and Equipment guidelines specify that mainstream devices are not funded.
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Can I apply for an app to be used on my iPhone?
Yes you can if it is a communication based app
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What if I need a different speech generating device in the future?
- That’s fine, if your needs change and you require a different speech generating device, then your speech pathologist can submit another application to the ECDS
- We usually do not provide additional funding within a 12 month period, unless there is a specific need e.g. child has outgrown the device or a person’s abilities have changed and they need a different device.
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What happens if my device breaks down and needs repair?
- Your speech pathologist or Occupational Therapist can apply for ECDS funding by completing the Electronic Communication Devices Scheme speech pathology Report form for a speech generating device, communication app or software; or the Occupational Therapy Report form for a mounting system or alterative access system.
- If you need help choosing a speech generating device, your speech pathologist can make a referral to our ComTEC service to discuss communication and assistive technology options.
- You can also hire a speech generating device, iPad with communication apps or laptop with software from our ComTEC Electronic Equipment Library.
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How do I contact the ECDS?
- You can contact Silvana, Administration Coordinator, on the following details:
- Email: ecds@yooralla.com.au
- Phone: 03 9633 6946
- Silvana works Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday.