Collaborative Home Modifications for NDIS Participants: Occupational Therapists and Building Experts

At VIP Access, we provide a comprehensive, end-to-end service tailored to meet the needs of participants. We collaborate closely with occupational therapists to deliver effective solutions for complex home modifications.

Our approach is based on a collaborative and team-oriented model, backed by years of experience delivering home modification services for people with disabilities and the aged. Since 2008, we have worked with various government programs, including but not limited to the DVA, NDIS and My Aged Care.

Occupational therapists focus on enhancing the functionality and quality of daily life by assessing home environments and identifying modifications to support clients’ independence. This includes making everyday tasks like showering, dressing, or moving around the home easier and safer. Our team collaborates with occupational therapists to complete these adjustments that help clients live comfortably in their homes for as long as possible.

Complex Home Modifications We Provide:

We specialise in delivering complex home modifications in partnership with occupational therapists, ensuring client goals are met. Some examples of our work include:

Bathroom modifications: Full bathroom remodels to create an accessible bathroom or wet room, removals of a bath or shower or creating a level access shower, wheelchair accessible vanity and ambulant toilet

Kitchen modifications: Including removing existing cabinetry to establish wheelchair accessible cabinetry, installation of pull-out pantry and drawers instead of cupboards for increased access and accessible appliances (e.g. induction cooktop with exhaust fan switch built in and side opening oven)

Primary access modifications: Widened front doorway with built up landing to establish level access door frame, large ramp to compensate for stair access

Expertise in Disability Design

Our team brings in-depth knowledge of design standards and regulations related to accessibility, including:

• NDIS Specialist Disability Design Standards (2019)
• AS1428.1 Design for Access & Mobility
• Universal Design Principles

We also have extensive expertise in residential design standards such as the National Construction Code (NCC) and local authority regulations, ensuring compliance and certification for building permits.

Specialist Solutions for a Range of Needs

We provide custom solutions for people with physical disabilities, aging individuals, and those with behavioural challenges, including participants who require robust designs. Our team has expertise in sourcing specialised fixtures, fittings, assistive technologies, and home automation solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.

A Streamlined, Three-Step Process

Our service model provides a seamless experience from start to finish, acting as a single point of contact for complex home modifications. This early involvement helps ensure compliance with design standards and building regulations while maximising value within the NDIS funding guidelines.

1. Referral and Consultation

• The first step is to contact us via [email protected] with a request for a quotation.
• We will provide you with a Site Consultation Form via email.
• Upon receiving your completed Site Consultation form and Scope of Works, our team will assess the referral.
• We will send the invoice to the funding body for payment.
• Once payment is confirmed our team will liaise with you and the participant and/or their family to schedule in a joint site assessment.

2. Assessment and Planning

• We will work collaboratively with OT and the participant and /or their family to define a design solution.
• We assess the proposed modification for building compliance, planning and permit requirements and identify any project risks.
• We develop clear and readable plans, a scope of works and a basic schedule of fixture & fittings.
• We then issue plans and specifications for design acceptance by the OT and the participant and/or their family.
• We will provide you with plans, a scope of works, a schedule of fixtures & fittings, and the quote for submission with your Complex Home Modification Assessment Template.

3. Project Delivery On confirmation of funding our team works with the participant and/or their family to deliver the home modification.

Our team will:

• Liaise with the participant, family and occupational therapist.
• Develop a trade schedule.
• Manage client requested variations.
• Finalise plans and specifications into construction documentation.
• Acquire building and/or planning permits.
• Coordinate building contracts.
• Proactively manage the construction works to ensure a smooth delivery.

VIP Access is ready to assist with your home modification needs and look forward to working with you and your clients.