Whether an item is accepted as reasonably required should be determined on the facts of each case.

Consideration should be given to:

  • the estimated duration of the condition;

  • the extent of assistance available to the employee from other members of the family;

  • the types of items already in use by the employee;

  • the availability of suitable or more appropriate items or unaided techniques;

  • the capacity of the employee to use the items;

  • the degree of need for the item (is there a reasonable requirement as distinct from wanting the item.  How often will it be used?);

  • the level of improvement in the functional independence achieved by use of the item;

  • whether provision of the item could contribute to rehabilitation and to what extent; and

  • reasons for assessing that symptoms will not be alleviated or resolved without provision of the item.