If you're considering smart home technology through your NDIS plan, one of the most important steps is the assistive technology assessment. A well-prepared assessment can make the difference between approval and rejection for the technology you need.
This guide explains how to prepare effectively for your smart home assessment in Perth, based on our experience supporting participants through the process.
What Is a Smart Home Assessment?
A smart home assessment is typically conducted by an occupational therapist (OT) with experience in assistive technology. The OT evaluates your current living situation, your functional limitations, and how smart home technology could help you achieve greater independence.
The assessment produces a report that goes to the NDIS as part of your funding request. This report needs to clearly demonstrate that the technology is:
- Reasonable and necessary for your specific needs
- The most appropriate and cost-effective solution available
- Directly linked to your functional impairments
For more on the funding process, see our complete Smart Home NDIS Guide.
What to Do Before the Assessment
1. Document Your Daily Challenges
Write down specific situations where you struggle due to your disability. The more concrete examples you can provide, the stronger your case. Consider:
- What tasks do you rely on support workers to do that you'd prefer to do yourself?
- Are there times when you feel unsafe or vulnerable at home?
- Which parts of your daily routine are most frustrating or exhausting?
- What would you do independently if you could?
Example: "I need help to turn lights on and off because I cannot reach switches from my wheelchair. This means I can only enter rooms when a support worker is present, or I live in the dark."
2. Research Potential Solutions
While you don't need to specify exact products, having a general understanding of what's available helps. Common smart home categories include:
- Voice control systems — Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple HomePod
- Lighting automation — Smart bulbs, switches, and motion sensors
- Security and access — Video doorbells, smart locks, intercom systems
- Environmental control — Thermostats, automated blinds, fans
- Communication aids — Smart displays with video calling
Our guide to Smart Home Voice Control and Automation Through the NDIS explains these options in more detail.
3. Gather Existing Documentation
Bring any reports you already have that support your case:
- Previous OT assessments
- Medical reports documenting your condition
- Current NDIS plan details
- Quotes or information from technology providers
Having these on hand saves time and provides context for the assessor.
What Happens During the Assessment
The assessment typically involves:
- A conversation about your daily life, challenges, and goals
- A home visit (or virtual walkthrough) to understand your physical environment
- Discussion of potential solutions and how they would help
- Recommendations on specific technology or categories
Tips for the Home Visit
- Have your support worker present if you use one — they can provide valuable perspective
- Show, don't just tell — demonstrate your current challenges if it's safe to do so
- Be honest about what you can and cannot do — overestimating your abilities can weaken your case
- Ask questions — understand why certain solutions are being recommended
What the Assessor Is Looking For
The OT needs to demonstrate to the NDIS that the technology addresses a functional impairment in a way that no other solution can. Specifically, they'll assess:
1. The Functional Gap
What can you not do now that you would be able to do with the technology?
Good example: "Without voice control, the participant cannot answer their front door independently. With video intercom and smart lock integration, they can see visitors, speak with them, and unlock the door without physical assistance."
2. The Reduction in Human Support
Smart home technology that reduces reliance on support workers is often viewed favourably because it represents long-term cost savings.
3. Safety and Independence
Does the technology improve your safety at home? Does it enable you to live more independently? Both are strong justifications.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Is this the most economical way to achieve the outcome? Sometimes a combination of mainstream and specialist technology represents the best value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Treating It Like a Wishlist
The assessment isn't about getting the "coolest" or "latest" technology. Focus on function over features. Every recommendation should be tied to a specific challenge.
2. Vague Language
Avoid statements like "I want to be more independent." Instead, be specific: "I want to be able to control the temperature in my home without asking my support worker to adjust the thermostat."
3. Underestimating Your Limitations
It's natural to want to emphasise what you can do. But in an NDIS assessment, being honest about your limitations strengthens your case for funding.
4. Not Mentioning Safety Concerns
If you have safety concerns at home — such as difficulty checking who's at the door, or getting help in an emergency — make sure these are clearly documented. Safety is a powerful justification for assistive technology.
After the Assessment: What Happens Next
Once the OT completes their assessment:
- Review the report carefully — make sure it accurately reflects your situation and needs
- Ask for clarification if anything is unclear or could be better explained
- Submit to the NDIS — this may be done by your OT, support coordinator, or yourself
- Wait for a decision — this can take several weeks depending on the complexity
If your request is approved, the next step is working with a provider like Innogreen to install and configure your smart home system.
If your request is declined, you have the right to request a review. Our guide to how to appeal an NDIS decision explains this process.
How Innogreen Can Help
As a registered NDIS provider specialising in smart home technology for disability support, we can assist with:
- Pre-assessment advice on what technology might be suitable for your needs
- Coordinating with your OT during the assessment process
- Providing quotes and technical specifications
- Installing, configuring, and supporting your smart home system
- Training you and your support workers on how to use the technology
Contact our team to discuss your smart home goals and how we can support you through the assessment and approval process.
This guide reflects current NDIS practice as of May 2026. For the most accurate information specific to your situation, consult your support coordinator or LAC, or visit ndis.gov.au.