Preparing for an NDIS bathroom modification assessment

Start with the activities you need support with

Describe the parts of the bathroom routine you want to make more manageable, such as entering the shower, reaching controls, transferring or using the basin.

Take that information to your occupational therapist or home modification assessor and your NDIS contact.

The NDIS considers individual evidence and funding criteria, so a website checklist or renovation quote can't determine eligibility or promise an approved amount.

Organise the evidence, permission and funding questions to take to your professional discussion with the NDIS home modification planning checklist.

Official guidance: NDIS: guide to home modifications.

Prepare for the assessment

• Your goals and the bathroom activities that need support.
• How you use the room and any equipment involved.
• Room photographs, dimensions and the existing layout if available.
• Who owns the home and any permission needed for alterations.
• Any relevant professional reports requested by your assessor.
• The needs of other household members who use the room.

Official guidance: NDIS: home modification assessments.

Let the assessed need shape the design

Ask the assessor to explain the recommended features and how they relate to your goals.

The renovation contractor can then assess the construction, access and product requirements against that brief.

Coordinate the assessor and contractor before substitutions or layout changes are agreed so the proposed work continues to meet the assessed need.

Confirm funding before committing to work

Ask your NDIS contact which evidence, quotes and approvals are needed for the proposed modification.

Keep privately selected upgrades separate from any funded scope, and confirm the contracting and payment arrangements before ordering products or starting work.

The official NDIS home modification guidance is the appropriate place to check the current process for your circumstances.

Official guidance: NDIS: guide to home modifications.

SDA is a separate design framework

Specialist Disability Accommodation has its own design standards and assessment requirements.

An accessible bathroom in a private home isn't automatically an SDA bathroom, so establish the intended housing and funding context first.

For an SDA project, engage the appropriate accredited assessor and qualified design team using the current official requirements.

Have them confirm the specific category, design, evidence and certification process for the property.

For a project within the SDA framework, prepare questions about the assessor, design category and construction scope with the SDA bathroom planning guide.

Official guidance: NDIS: Specialist Disability Accommodation design standards.