Here we focus on technological advancements and innovations in NDIS housing, enhancing accessibility and independence
Inclusive and accessible housing
Technology is always changing and improving, and there are many types of assistive technologies that help make life easier for people with disabilities. Assistive technology installed in a home can lead to better outcomes for residents, who enjoy more flexibility and freedom in day to day life as a result.
Assistive technology is also a cost effective way to promote the communication and social needs of participants.
Independent living for people with disabilities
The main objective of the NDIS is to ensure that people with disability can live independently, safely and comfortably in the home of their choosing. A comfortable and well designed home can improve a person’s quality of life and allow them to participate in activities and hobbies that they enjoy. Technologies can give participants the chance to manage and alter their home environment.
Communication devices can also help NDIS participants to share their preferences, needs and wants, and have a greater level of self expression. The NDIS may fund assistive disability technologies that are considered reasonable and necessary to support a participant’s functional capacity and independence.
Assistive technology in NDIS homes
Several types of technologies can be installed in NDIS homes. These technologies can benefit individuals by providing:
More independence
Improved mobility
Improved communication
Greater levels of safety
NDIS housing service options
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for adults with disabilities to find suitable living options. Some of the NDIS housing service options include Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Supported Independent Living (SIL), Medium Term Accommodation, Transitional Accommodation, and Innovative Housing Options.
These options are designed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals with disability, providing them with safe and suitable living arrangements.
Innovative housing and living options in the NDIS
Innovative housing and living options within the NDIS refer to creative and flexible housing solutions that aim to provide individuals with disability greater choice and control over their living arrangements.
These options focus on customised and non-traditional housing arrangements, such as co-housing, micro-apartments, smart homes with assistive technology and community-led housing initiatives. There has been recent innovation in housing solutions that prioritise accessibility, affordability, and community integration, empowering individuals with disability to live independently while receiving the necessary supports.
In July 2023, the NDIS asked for ideas and feedback about innovations that might help improve the delivery and management of housing solutions and technology. Conversations about future opportunities are continuing through research and program refinement.
Innovative home technology for people with vision impairment
New technologies for people with vision disability and impairment include:
Voice activated temperature, security and light switches: that enables users to control devices and access information using voice commands
Screen Reader innovation: improved tools that reads the content displayed on a computer screen
Text-to-speech apps: there are several app options on the market, which convert written text into spoken words
Magnification software: programs that magnify on-screen content, making it easier to read text and see images
Optical character recognition (OCR) technology: software that converts printed text into digital text, which can then be read aloud by screen readers
Wearable devices: innovations like smart glasses equipped with cameras and assistive support to help people move around safely
Innovative home technologies for people with hearing loss
New technological innovations for people who are deaf or have hearing loss include:
Video Relay Services (VRS): which allow individuals to make phone calls with the help of a sign language interpreter
Text Telephones (TTY): that enable deaf people to type and read text conversations over a phone line
Cochlear Implants: electronic devices that provide a sense of sound to individuals who are profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing
Improved hearing aids: amplification devices that help individuals with hearing loss by making sounds louder
Captioned telephones: display written captions of everything the caller says, providing assistance for individuals with difficulty hearing on the phone
Alerting devices: like vibrating alarm clocks and flashing doorbells
Speech-to-text apps: mobile apps that convert spoken words into written text, helping to facilitate communication
Sign Language apps: there are several mobile applications on the market that provide resources for learning sign language
Remote captioning services: provides real-time captioning for live events, lectures or meetings
Innovative home technologies for people with mobility difficulties
Innovative options for people with physical disability or mobility challenges include:
Mobility aids: like wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and walkers
Adaptive clothing: specialised clothing and footwear designed for easy dressing
Environmental control systems: that enable individuals to control appliances, lights and other home devices using voice commands or switches
Prosthetics: Custom-made devices that assist people with limb amputations or musculoskeletal impairments
Home modifications: Ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, and other home modifications
Electronic tools: devices such as adapted utensils
Nursed Care - NDIS providers
Nursed Care is an NDIS service provider in New South Wales. We support clients with disability with various types of accessible services to boost independence and enhance overall well being.
Our services support NDIS eligible participants with daily tasks like personal care, toileting, medication management and cooking. We offer NDIS plan management for participants, with a focus on innovation and best practice planning for our clients.
The Nursed Care team also support NDIS participants and their families to be active and involved in the local area through transport to social and educational opportunities. We are experienced in providing support to help an NDIS participant to progress their personal goals and interests.
Discover Nursed Care accommodation
We also manage and maintain several NDIS accommodation properties across the metropolitan area. Our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) properties are equipped with assistive technology including:
alarmed security systems with CCTV to exterior
easy to operate air conditioning systems
Wifi for internet and services
View the currently available Nursed Care housing and options on our Accommodation page. These properties have been developed, designed and approved to meet the specific requirements of people with diverse disability.
We also provide integrated, comprehensive NDIS support services to the residents of our NDIS properties. In many cases, several participants live in shared living arrangements. This enables people to enjoy social interactions while we support individuals with their particular and individual needs and requirements. Contact us here.
Benefits of Nursed Care accommodation
When you chose an NDIS property as your home, you have chosen one of the most innovative living solutions available on the market. Nursed Care are proud to offer homes that:
are designed with each participant in mind
ensure adequate supports are provided to each participant, to progress their goals and support personal development
boast devices and equipment that make personal care, sleeping and eating comfortable and enjoyable
facilitate visits by families and friends
deliver around the clock assistance to participants
Related questions
Assistive technologies in the NDIS refer to a wide range of devices, equipment and products that are designed to help participants with disability to perform tasks, improve physical activity, enable communication and support independent living.
These can include wheelchairs, computing devices, hearing tools, vehicle modifications, home modifications, mobility aids and many other devices,
Regardless of the type of NDIS accessible housing a person with disability resides in, they should have access to the assistive technology that will improve life. Assistive technology and home modifications can be installed in private homes, community or social housing or rental properties, providing assistance to participants in any housing setting.
