Understanding NDIS Funding

Navigating the world of NDIS funding can feel overwhelming, but understanding how the National Disability Insurance Scheme supports home modifications is the first step toward a safer, more accessible living environment. The NDIS is designed to empower individuals with disabilities by providing funding for essential changes that enhance accessibility, safety, and independence at home.

Under the Capital Supports category, NDIS funding can be used to make significant home modifications—think installing grab rails, widening doorways, or upgrading to non-slip flooring. These changes are not just about comfort; they're about reducing fall risk, improving accessibility, and supporting independent living. The NDIS also recognises the value of assistive technology, such as threshold ramps and slip-resistant surfaces, to help participants move safely throughout their homes.

To access this funding, participants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including having a permanent and significant disability that directly impacts daily life. The NDIS funding process typically begins with an assessment by an occupational therapist (OT), who will identify the challenges posed by the participant's disability and recommend modifications that align with their goals. The OT report is a crucial piece of documentation, outlining which modifications are reasonable and necessary to improve functional outcomes.

For those living in rental properties, the NDIS requires written consent from the landlord before any modifications can begin. Participants will also need to gather necessary documentation, such as multiple quotes from licensed builders, to support their application. Plan managers and support coordinators can help guide participants through the process, ensuring all paperwork meets NDIS requirements and that proposed modifications are clearly justified.

When making funding decisions, the NDIS looks at whether the modifications covered are directly related to the participant's disability, deemed reasonable and necessary, and likely to significantly improve safety and accessibility. Common modifications funded by the NDIS include bathroom renovations with walk-in showers, non-slip flooring, installing ramps, and widening doorways—all designed to enhance safety and support independent living.

Working with experienced professionals—like OTs, plan managers, and licensed builders—ensures that your modification plan meets NDIS guidelines and Australian safety standards. By understanding the NDIS funding process and collaborating with the right team, participants can secure the support they need to create a safer, more accessible home that truly meets their needs.

How OTs and NDIS Families Make Homes Safer-Without Major Renovations

From slippery bathrooms to hazardous outdoor ramps, Stellmann has helped OTs, plan managers, and home modification providers make homes safer—fast—without ripping up floors or disrupting daily life.

Many homes have slippery floors that pose a significant risk of falls, especially for people living with disabilities. Non-slip coatings are a type of flooring change that can improve accessibility and safety in these environments.

In one recent case, an OT identified high slip risk in a participant's en-suite and timber ramp. Within 24 hours of funding approval, a Stellmann-certified installer was onsite applying a clear, P4/P5-rated coating. By the next morning, the participant could move safely and confidently—without any change to the look of their home.

We've applied our CSIRO-certified coatings across:

• Bathroom tiles in wet zones
• Timber, concrete and metal ramps
• Outdoor paths, patios, steps and stairs
• Indoor vinyl and kitchen floors

These flooring changes are especially important for people who use mobility aids, as they help reduce fall risk and improve accessibility throughout the home.

Whether you're an OT arranging urgent modifications, a family looking to reduce fall risk, or a home mods company needing a fast, compliant solution—we've done it in homes just like yours.