Smart home technology and the NDIS
How smart home and assistive technology can increase independence at home, and how the NDIS approaches funding it as part of your supports
How can smart home technology help?
How does the NDIS fund it?
How does it fit with my other supports?
Examples of smart home tech that increases independence
How an OT builds the case for funding
Getting the technology set up and supported
Start simple: everyday tech that already helps
Frequently asked questions
Does smart home tech reduce my support hours?
It can, where the technology genuinely lets you do something yourself that previously needed a worker — like operating doors, lights or communication independently. That reduction is often part of the funding case. But technology complements human support rather than replacing essential help, so the aim is more…
Who maintains the technology once it's installed?
That depends on the specific technology and how it's funded, so it's worth clarifying up front. Some maintenance and repairs can be covered as part of assistive technology supports where reasonable and necessary. Ask your OT and provider who is responsible for upkeep before it's installed, so it keeps working for you.
Can the NDIS fund smart home technology?
The NDIS can fund assistive technology, including relevant smart home tech, where it's reasonable and necessary — meaning it relates to your disability, helps you pursue your goals, and is value for money. An OT usually assesses and recommends the specific technology.
How does smart home tech help with disability?
It can help you control your environment, communicate, stay safe, and rely less on someone being present for every task — through voice or switch control, sensors and alerts, communication devices, and automation. For some people it genuinely increases independence and reduces support needs.
How do I get smart home tech funded?
Usually an occupational therapist assesses your needs and recommends the specific technology, explaining how it increases your independence or reduces the support you'd otherwise need. Framing it in terms of those outcomes is what makes the reasonable-and-necessary case.
Does smart home tech replace my support workers?
No — it works best alongside your other supports, not instead of essential help. The aim is to use technology where it genuinely increases independence while keeping the human support you need for tasks technology can't do.
Who recommends the right technology for me?
An occupational therapist usually assesses your needs and recommends suitable assistive and smart home technology, and explains how it fits your goals and reduces or complements your support. This assessment supports your NDIS funding request.