Disability Funding Justifications for sensory products
As of 24th April 2024, further clarifications have been made by Whaikaha regarding Sensory and weighted products being included in Individualised Funding purchasing guidelines.
"....the purchase of ...sensory items (such as fidget spinners), and weighted blankets are able to be funded from Carer Support, Individualised Funding Respite (IF Respite), Enhanced Individualised Funding and EGL Personal Budgets. These items can be purchased through Carer Support and IF Respite". (Whaikaha website, Published 24 April, 2024)
Here are the criteria for purchasing equipment via IF.
1) The item will make your life better
Explain how the sensory item you intend to purchase will help you maintain or make life better and help meet your goals/targets or aspirations.
2) The Sensory Item you want to purchase is a disability support
A disability support is an additional cost beyond what is considered to be usual from an individual's income. The use of this item may benefit by helping to reduce additional costs in the longer term.
3) The item is reasonable and cost effective.
The item needs to be clearly connected to the individual's disability. The cost is to be within market rates. Cost effectiveness relates to monetary value in relation to life benefits and outcomes (both short and long term).
(4) That the equipment is not subject to an exclusion
Individualised funding is not to be used for equipment that is funded by the government.
So what does this mean?
- You may need to provide justification for the items that result in Enabling the disabled persons everyday tasks to be more independent and make life better.
- These sensory items are cost effective (fair and competitive pricing)
- and that they may result in a reduction in ongoing costs related to those tasks and goals
Here are some justifications for our products to strengthen your funding application approval for Sensory Sam products.
Justifications for Sensory items (Use content from these downloadable and printable pdfs to strengthen your purchase application, and/or add as an attachment)
Calming sensory Swings Funding justifications. downloadable pdf
Compression Sheets, Weighted Blanket, Lap Pad Shoulder Huggers, Vests Funding justifications. downloadable pdf
Weighted Toys funding Justifications downloadable pdf
Time management sensory resources Funding Justifications. downloadable pdf
Chewing items for oral stimulation, and reducing harm funding Justifications. downloadable pdf
Crash Pad, Rocking and balance board resources-self regulation & vestibular input funding justifications. downloadable pdf
‘Kete’s' & Complete Sensory Room- Bulk discounted sensory resources kits- Funding Justifications. downloadable pdf
Sensory Blackout tent & fibre optic lighting- funding Justifications downloadable pdf
Sensory Fidget Toys and Kits- Funding Justifications downloadable pdf
Calming aromatherapy resources-funding justifications downloadable pdf