Home modifications & assistive technology
How to stay in your own or family home using NDIS-funded modifications and assistive technology, and how this differs from SDA
What home modifications and assistive technology actually are
Minor vs complex home modifications
Assistive technology: from everyday items to specialised equipment
How this is different from SDA
The process, step by step
If you rent or own your home
A real example, and the pitfalls to avoid
What to do next
Frequently asked questions
Can I modify a home I'm renting?
Yes, renters can have modifications funded, but you need written permission from the property owner for the specific changes before any work starts. You'll also need to sort out in writing whether the landlord wants the modifications removed at the end of the lease, because the NDIA factors in that cost.
How long does the whole process take?
It varies a lot. A simple low-cost item can be quick, while a complex, structural modification takes longer because it needs a detailed OT assessment, a builder's scope of works, quotes, and an NDIA decision. Ask your OT and support coordinator for a realistic timeframe for your situation.
Who decides what I actually need?
An occupational therapist (OT) assesses your home and how you manage daily tasks, then recommends what would genuinely help. For complex building work, a building construction practitioner works alongside the OT. The NDIA then decides what to fund based on that evidence.
How is this different from SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funds a specialist building for a small group with very high needs, and you have to be found eligible for it. Home modifications and assistive technology are for staying in an ordinary home you already have or can rent — no SDA eligibility is needed.
Do I have to pay for any of it myself?
Approved modifications and assistive technology are funded from your Capital budget, so the items themselves are covered. Your everyday rent and living costs are separate and come from your own income. Always confirm what's covered in your own plan with the NDIA.
What if my equipment breaks or wears out?
The NDIS can fund repairs, maintenance and replacement over time — for example, servicing a hoist or replacing a wheelchair as needs change. Talk to your AT advisor or support coordinator about how this is handled in your plan.