Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) is equipment that can be used by people with a disability to help them communicate if they have difficulty with speaking, writing or learning.
2 .What is the Service?
A specialist assessment process that aims to identify options that will help the client to communicate more effectively. The service also prepares funding applications for client’s to be provided with their own equipment, and to provide training in the use of the equipment.
3. Who may use the service?
Anybody who has a disability and has difficulty communicating.
4. Who provides the service?
At each TalkLink location there is a clinical team that will be assigned to your case. Your team may include a speech-language therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, teacher or technician.
5. What does the service cost?
If you are eligible to use the service then there is no cost involved. If you are an ACC claimant then your ACC case manager must make the referral to TalkLink.
6. How can I access the service?
Contact a TalkLink branch for a referral form or download a referral form from this site. Complete the form and return it to TalkLink. A TalkLink case manager will contact you to make an appointment.
7. Do I have to pay for the equipment?
Your TalkLink case manager will advise you of the eligibility criteria for equipment funding. When you are provided with communication equipment then you may keep it as long as you need it. When you no longer need it then it should be returned to TalkLink.
8. What can I do if I am not eligible for equipment funding?
TalkLink may still advise you about appropriate communication equipment. You may then wish to purchase it yourself or raise funds privately. TalkLink may be willing to teach you how to use the equipment.
9. I do not live near Auckland or Wellington, how can I access the service?
Presently, Auckland includes the District Health Boards of Northland, Waitemata, Auckland, Counties Manakau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Lakes. Wellington includes the District Health Boards of Tairawhiti, Hawkes Bay, Mid Central, Wanganui, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Capital & Coast and Taranaki. TalkLink branches are contracted by the Ministry of Health to provide services in these areas. If you live outside these areas then contact your nearest TalkLink branch.
10. What should I do if the equipment breaks down?
The Wellington TalkLink branch is contracted to maintain client equipment. If you have a problem with your equipment then contact this branch.
In Auckland, if clients have a problem with their equipment then they should contact their TalkLink case manager who will advise the best course of action.
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