Being able to move safely and easily around your home, school and the community is an important part of day-to-day life. Individuals living with disability may have a range of different needs for their environment that may not be met by their existing home or other environments. Home and building modifications can be small or large changes to a building that make it safer and more functional for older people as well as people living with disability.
They can be small, temporary changes like adding a portable ramp or changing taps. Or, they can be larger structural changes that make it easier to move about if you are unsteady on your feet or use equipment like a wheelchair or shower chair. This could include things like widening doorways, adding a shower that’s easier to get in and out of, or lowering kitchen benches.
Home modifications can also include Environmental Control Systems and Home Automation. This means technology that helps you independently access electronics in your home – things like electric door openers/closers, light controls, and recreational supports.
Novitatech’s occupational therapists have the skills and experience to work with you, and your family, to find options that will make your environment easier to use, safer, and support your independence.
Novitatech’s consultation service can assist you with the design of new buildings for easier access and improving your lifestyle. Our specially skilled occupational therapists are able to consider the environmental needs of older people and/or people living with disability who will use the building.
We can make recommendations on everything from functional design, including the width of passageways and doors, access into the home and bathroom design for safe and functional use; to electronic technology (Environmental Control Systems) to enable independent control of home electronics. Our occupational therapists can also work with you and designers to provide recommendations to maximise the safety and function of home, school and community environments.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may be able to fund home modifications for eligible participants.
Novitatech has therapists whose skills and experience qualify them as Assessors for Complex Home Modifications to the NDIA.
Going to a new school is an exciting, and sometimes daunting, activity. Novitatech’s occupational therapists are able to work with you, your child and their school to identify how your child can be as safe, independent and involved as possible at school. We can look at the setup of your child’s classroom, the school grounds, toilet facilities and more.
There is a range of funding available for assessments, prescription and recommendations as well as the modifications themselves. If you would like further information, speak to someone in our friendly team on 1300 668 482 or visit our Contact Us page for more ways to get in touch.
If you are already seeing a Novita occupational therapist, speak with them about your interest in, or need for, school or home modification services.