For many NDIS participants, managing home entry independently is a genuine challenge. Getting to the door in a power wheelchair, managing physical keys with limited hand function, or safely identifying visitors with a vision impairment can all be significant barriers. Smart home security technology can address each of these, and in many cases it can be funded through your NDIS plan.
What Smart Home Security Can Be Funded?
The NDIS can fund smart home security technology when it directly addresses a functional impairment. The most commonly funded items include:
Video Doorbells and Intercoms
A video doorbell lets you see and speak with visitors from your phone, tablet, or a wall-mounted screen anywhere in your home. You don't need to rush to the door or physically interact with an intercom panel.
Who benefits most: Participants who use a power wheelchair and cannot easily access a standard intercom, people with fatigue conditions who find moving to the door difficult, and those with vision impairment who cannot see or identify visitors through a conventional peephole.
NDIS funding: Video doorbells are typically low to mid-cost AT. Basic devices under $1,500 may be purchased without prior NDIS approval. Wired systems requiring installation may be funded under Home Modifications.
Smart Locks
Smart locks replace physical keys with PIN codes, fingerprint recognition, smartphone apps, or voice commands. For participants who cannot manage a standard key due to limited grip or dexterity, this technology restores safe, independent control of home entry.
Features to look for:
- Remote unlocking via app (for letting in support workers or family without being at the door)
- Auto-lock after a set time period
- Access logs showing who entered and when
- Integration with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home
- Emergency access override for support workers
NDIS funding: Smart locks are typically mid-cost AT ($250-$600). An OT assessment is recommended to document how limited dexterity or mobility affects your ability to use a standard key.
Automated Gate and Entry Systems
For participants who live in properties with security gates, automated gate systems provide hands-free, voice-controlled access. These systems can include:
- Motorised gate openers controlled by app, voice, or remote
- Integration with video intercom so you can see and admit visitors remotely
- AI-assisted visitor recognition for participants with vision impairment
- Sensor beams and custom gate operators
NDIS funding: This is where the 2025 Hyde ruling is directly relevant. The Administrative Review Tribunal's Guidance and Appeals Panel found that a voice-controlled gate and intercom system was fundable for a participant with severe vision impairment, even though the components could be purchased from a mainstream retailer. Read more about what the Hyde ruling means for NDIS participants.
Integrated Security Systems
For participants with complex needs, a fully integrated smart security system can tie together cameras, intercoms, locks, gates, and alarm systems into a single interface. These can be controlled by voice, app, or even eye-gaze and switch access for participants with very limited motor function.
NDIS funding: Complex integrated systems typically fall under mid to high-cost AT and require an OT assessment, trial, and for systems over $15,000, NDIS approval.
The "Standard Item" Question
One of the most common barriers participants face when applying for smart home security funding is the NDIA labelling the technology a "standard household item" that is excluded from NDIS support.
The 2025 GAP ruling in Hyde v NDIA addressed this directly. The Panel found the NDIA cannot simply point to an item being available in a regular shop and declare it ineligible. The key question is whether the item has been adapted or modified to address the participant's specific functional impairments.
For a video doorbell or automated gate that is configured for a participant who cannot physically manage a standard intercom or key, the system is adapted to their disability. It is not a standard item just because the hardware can be purchased at a consumer electronics store.
What Your OT Needs to Document
Your occupational therapist plays a central role in accessing NDIS funding for smart home security. A strong OT report should:
- Identify the functional impairment clearly. For example: limited upper limb function preventing key use, inability to move quickly to the door due to power wheelchair, severe vision impairment preventing visual identification of visitors.
- Link the technology to the impairment. Explain specifically how the smart lock, doorbell, or gate system addresses the functional limitation.
- Describe how the system is adapted to the participant's needs. What components are specifically included because of the disability? Why is this the most appropriate solution?
- Address alternatives. Why is this technology more appropriate than cheaper options or other supports?
For guidance on what to expect from an OT assessment, see our OT Assessments guide.
Smart Home Security in SDA Properties
If you live in or are moving into Specialist Disability Accommodation, smart home security is often included as standard. At Innogreen, all our SDA properties include:
- Smart lock and video intercom at the front entry, accessible from anywhere in the home
- Remote access management allowing you to admit visitors via app or voice without moving to the door
- Integration with voice assistants so entry can be managed hands-free
This means participants in Innogreen properties don't need to fund these items separately through their AT budget. The technology is built into the home.
Getting Started in Perth
If you are interested in accessing NDIS funding for smart home security:
- Talk to your support coordinator about including AT funding for home security in your next plan review
- Get an OT assessment that specifically addresses your home entry challenges
- Contact a registered NDIS AT provider like Innogreen for a quote and assessment
- Review your plan's AT budget to understand what funding is currently available
For a full overview of how NDIS AT funding works, see our Complete Guide to NDIS Smart Home Technology or our NDIS Capital Supports vs Assistive Technology guide.
Contact us today to discuss smart home security options for your NDIS plan. Our team is based in Perth and works with participants across WA.