A practical starting point for home accessibility

Begin with a day in your home

Think through the activities you want to do more comfortably or independently: arriving home, preparing food, using the bathroom, resting, working or spending time with others. Note where an activity becomes difficult, tiring or dependent on help. The aim is to understand the task before choosing a product or building solution.

Include the person who will use the space in every discussion. Preferences about privacy, appearance, routines and independence matter alongside physical access. A change that looks convenient to someone else may not suit the person living with it.

Make a room-by-room record

• Entry: the approach, lighting, keys or controls, thresholds and space at the door.
• Movement: everyday routes, furniture, door openings and places to pause.
• Kitchen: reaching, preparing food, carrying items and using controls.
• Bathroom: the tasks and transfers involved, privacy and space for any assistance or equipment.
• Bedroom: getting in and out of bed, storage, lighting and access during the night.
• Outdoor areas: surfaces, shade, seating and access to the spaces you enjoy.

Separate simple observations from design decisions

You can record a difficult route, an awkward reach or a poorly lit area without deciding immediately how to change it. Photographs and measurements may help explain a problem to a professional, provided the person using the space agrees. Record when a task works well as well as when it does not.

Structural work, bathroom changes, rails, electrical work and equipment for transfers need appropriate professional assessment and installation. Avoid treating a general checklist as a construction specification. A qualified occupational therapist may help explore how your activities, equipment and environment fit together; building work also needs relevant qualified trades and approvals.

Think about the whole household

Consider other people using the same space, including children, visitors and support workers. A change should be discussed in terms of the route and task it affects, including storage and cleaning. Plan how you would manage daily routines while work is taking place.

If you rent or live in a shared building, check the permissions and approval process before committing to work. Do not assume that a funding conversation, a contractor quote or a product recommendation replaces property permissions. Ask the relevant parties to clarify their responsibilities.

Prepare for a professional conversation

Bring your priorities, observations and questions rather than a shopping list alone. Ask about alternatives, trials, maintenance and the effect of future changes in needs. Request a clear explanation of costs and responsibilities before agreeing to an assessment or service.

For general information and connections, the Disability Gateway is a useful starting point. For questions about an existing NDIS plan or potential funding, use the official NDIS website and your relevant contacts. This guide does not establish funding eligibility.

Our assistive technology guide provides questions to use when equipment is part of the discussion.