How can a personal alarm support people with vision loss

Blindness and vision loss in Australia

Blindness and vision loss affect over 500,000 people in Australia. Among these, more than 66,000 people are classified as blind. Around 60% of people living in Australia who are blind or vision impaired are also aged 65 years or older.

Thankfully, there are a variety of safety devices and support services available to help people living with blindness or vision loss, enhancing their safety and independence. These include Assistive Technology (AT), home modifications and access to Government funding, such as the NDIS and Support At Home.

There are also several organisations in Australia that support the blind and visually impaired with a range of services from daily living support to mobility training and advocacy. The main ones are Vision Australia, Guide Dogs Australia and Blind Citizens Australia.

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This guide covers assistive technology, personal alarms, and how funding works through the NDIS and Support at Home.

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What is vision impairment or low vision?

Vision impairment is defined as the partial or full loss of sight in one or both eyes and causes a reduction in a person's ability to see that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses. This can range from mild vision loss to complete blindness.

'Legally blind' is a government term used to identify people who are eligible for particular benefits and services. A person is legally blind in Australia if they cannot see at six metres what a fully sighted person can see at 60 metres, or if their field of vision is less than 20 degrees in diameter.

Someone who has vision loss may have some ability to see. However, their loss of vision could be severe enough to affect their ability to perform a variety of daily tasks.

Vision impairment can be present from birth, or can be caused by various medical conditions, including:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Albinism
• Glaucoma
• Stroke
• Diabetes complications

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What assistive technology supports low vision?

The right support for someone with vision loss depends on their specific condition, but there are many assistive technologies that can help them feel safer and more independent. These tools support daily routines and make it easier to move around safely and confidently.

The most common Assistive technology equipment includes:

• Screen readers and voice control tools (for digital access)
• Magnifiers and electronic vision aids (for reading and detail)
• Personal alarms and emergency alert systems (for safety)
• Talking devices (for everyday tasks)
• White canes and mobility aids (for navigation)
• Smartphone apps (for navigation and reading)

A list of Assistive Technology options is available on the Blind Citizens Australia website.

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How is assistive technology funded through the NDIS?

Assistive technology can be funded through the NDIS for eligible participants.

Funding is typically provided under the Capital Supports budget in an NDIS plan and covers items such as assistive technology devices, personal alarms, home or vehicle modifications and other essential equipment.

To be included in the NDIS plan, supports must be considered reasonable and necessary — they need to relate to the disability, support everyday activities and represent good value. Depending on the type of assistive technology, an assessment or recommendation may be required.

Learn more about NDIS funded alarms →

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How does Support at Home fund assistive technology?

For eligible Support at Home participants, assistive technology can be included as part of the Assistive Technology and Home Modification Scheme (AT-HM Scheme).

The scheme includes three funding tiers, with the level of support based on individual assessed needs. Funding for assistive technology is provided separately from the ongoing service budget and is allocated annually, often upfront, so equipment can be accessed when it’s needed.

Some assistive technology, including personal alarms, may require a prescription from a clinician before purchase.

Learn more about SaH funded alarms →

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What personal alarms are available for low vision?

Choosing an emergency alarm that suits different vision needs can make a meaningful difference to safety and confidence. The right device should be simple to use, easy to rely on and fit naturally into everyday life.

MePACS personal alarms provide direct access to our 24/7 emergency response team. When an alert is activated, a trained professional responds promptly, assesses the situation and contacts the most appropriate person — whether that’s a family member, carer, neighbour, or emergency services. Support doesn’t stop there, with ongoing check-ins until help arrives.

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Available alarm options

• Home Alarm
  A simple, cost effective system for use around the home and garden.
• Mobile Alarm
  Portable device with GPS and fall detection, offering reassurance when out and about.
• Solo Connect Watch Alarm
  A discreet watch alarm with fall detection, GPS, and health insights to support independence.

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Accessories for easier use

Additional accessories are available to make activating the alarm simpler and more intuitive:

• Vibrating pendants provide physical confirmation that an alert has been sent
• Jelly bean buttons provide a large surface area and can be placed in key areas for quick, easy access

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How to access an NDIS-funded personal alarm?

MePACS is a registered NDIS provider for low-risk, low-cost assistive technology, working with support coordinators and NDIS agencies across Australia. For eligible participants, an NDIS plan may cover the cost of the alarm and monitoring service, with no out-of-pocket expenses.

Funding for personal alarms can come from either the Core Supports – Consumables budget (for low-risk, low-cost assistive technology) or the Capital Supports budget.

Participants can contact MePACS directly, or go through their Plan Manager, to request a quote for submission to the NDIS. Once the quote is approved, the application is processed and invoices can be submitted directly to the NDIS.

Speak to our team to arrange a quote or learn how to include a personal alarm in an NDIS plan.

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Building confidence through better support

The right support can make everyday life safer, more manageable, and more independent. With the right assistive technology in place, it becomes easier to stay connected, respond quickly in an emergency, and continue living with confidence.

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*This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any medical concerns or conditions, speak to a health specialist.

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