NDIS Doors

NDIS doors are accessible door solutions designed to improve mobility, safety and independence within the home. The right solution depends on the participant’s needs, the existing doorway and recommendations from an occupational therapist or home modification assessor.

• A wider clear opening for wheelchair or mobility-aid access
• A low or level threshold that reduces barriers
• Sliding doors that require less space to operate
• Easy-to-reach handles, switches or remote controls
• An automatic swing door or automatic door opener
• Custom aluminium door frames designed for the existing opening

Door width is only one part of accessible design. When assessing the width of a wheelchair-accessible door, the opening force, threshold, approach space, controls and direction of travel should also be considered.

NDIS door options for accessible homes

The right door system will depend on the participant’s mobility, strength, dexterity, assistive technology and available space. In some homes, a wider manual door may provide suitable access. In others, an automated system may offer greater independence.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors move along a track rather than opening into the surrounding space. This can make them useful where a swing door would obstruct a hallway, landing or wheelchair approach area.

The complete design still needs careful consideration. Track height, threshold transitions, clear opening width, handle position and the force required to move the panel can all affect accessibility. A sliding door may also be paired with an automatic opener where this is recommended and properly specified.

Automatic Swing Doors and Door Openers

Automatic door openers should be selected based on the door system, available space, safety requirements and the participant’s needs. Coordinate these systems with the appropriate automation specialist before installation.

Custom Aluminium Doors

A standard door will not suit every accessible opening. Custom aluminium doors can be manufactured for wider entrances, unusual dimensions and different sliding or hinged configurations.

Perth Window & Door can measure, custom-build and install an aluminium door to suit the property and specified opening. Any automatic opener, sensor or control system should be confirmed separately with the relevant automation specialist before the door is manufactured.

Can NDIS funding cover automatic doors?

NDIS funding may cover an automated door or another accessible door modification when it relates directly to the participant’s disability support needs. The proposed system must also meet the NDIS funding criteria, provide value for money and be considered effective and beneficial for the participant.

Products marketed as NDIS automatic doors are not automatically approved or funded. Home automation support must be stated in the participant’s NDIS plan before the funding can be used. A standard door replacement or an upgrade chosen mainly for convenience or appearance may not qualify.

Before arranging the work:

1. Discuss the access barrier: Explain how the existing door affects entry, movement, safety or independence within the home.
2. Arrange an assessment: A home modification assessor can assess the participant’s needs and recommend an appropriate doorway, control method and opening system.
3. Confirm the property requirements: The property owner must agree to the modification, and structural work may require quotes, approvals or input from other building professionals.
4. Wait for funding confirmation: Confirm that the modification and any automatic door components are included in the participant’s plan before ordering products or starting installation.

Funding and evidence requirements vary depending on the modification, so participants should confirm the current process with their NDIS contact.

Any funded home modification must be safe, comply with relevant laws and standards, and be completed by builders or tradespeople qualified for the required work. The final design should also account for the participant’s current needs and any likely changes to their mobility or support requirements.

Choosing the right NDIS door solution

An accessible door should be selected around the participant’s movement, strength, reach and daily routines. The surrounding space, existing structure and way the door will be controlled also affect whether the final system provides practical independent access.

Clear Opening and Threshold

The doorway needs enough clear space for the participant and any wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid they use. The approach area should also allow them to position themselves safely before opening or passing through the door.

Thresholds and tracks can create barriers when they are raised or difficult to cross. One option available from Perth Window & Door is a ThermAFrame sliding door, which can be specified with an optional AS 1428.1 wheelchair-compliant sill threshold. The suitability of any threshold should still be assessed for the participant and property.

Controls and Physical Effort

Handles, switches and remote controls should be positioned where the intended user can reach and operate them. For manual doors, the panel weight and opening force should not create another access barrier.

Where an automatic door opener is recommended, the control method should match the participant’s abilities. The system might use a wall-mounted button, remote control, sensor or compatible assistive technology, depending on the specialist’s recommendation.

Safety and Ongoing Use

Depending on its design, an automatic door system may require safety features such as sensors, stopping mechanisms or manual release controls.

The participant’s future needs should be considered alongside their current mobility. Where standard products cannot meet the required dimensions or configuration, a custom door design can be developed around the opening and property requirements.

The complete system should be assessed as a whole so the door, frame, threshold, controls and automation components work safely together.

Aluminium doors are a practical option for many accessible home modifications because they combine strength, relatively slim frames and broad design flexibility. They can be configured for sliding or hinged openings and manufactured to suit wider entrances or non-standard dimensions.

Their low maintenance requirements can also make day-to-day care easier. Powder-coated aluminium does not need regular painting or staining, and Perth Window & Door offers a broad range of window and door colour options to suit the existing property.

Depending on the selected door system, relatively slim aluminium framing may help preserve more of the available clear opening while allowing glazed panels to bring natural light into the entrance. The type of glass, visibility markings, handles, locks and threshold should still be selected around the participant’s needs and the relevant building requirements.

An aluminium door is not automatically NDIS funded or approved. Its suitability depends on the participant’s assessed needs, the proposed modification and whether the complete solution meets the applicable NDIS funding criteria.

How Perth Window & Door helps with NDIS door installations

Accessible door modifications often involve input from several people. A home modification assessor can recommend the functional requirements, while qualified tradespeople complete the building and installation work.

Perth Window & Door can assist with the aluminium door and frame component through the following process:

1. Review the supplied door specification: The team can work from the required dimensions, opening style, finish, glazing and hardware specifications for the project.
2. Measure the existing opening: A site assessment helps confirm the available space, frame dimensions, threshold conditions and installation requirements.
3. Custom-build the aluminium door: The door can be manufactured to suit the opening, selected configuration, finish, glazing and hardware requirements.
4. Complete the door installation: Perth Window & Door’s window and door replacement service covers the removal of existing frames and installation of the new aluminium system where required.

Perth Window & Door also provides a 10-year warranty covering its windows, doors and workmanship, giving customers confidence when comparing complete door solutions.

Any automatic opener, sensor, remote control or connected assistive technology should be specified and installed by an appropriately qualified automation specialist. These components should be coordinated with the door design before manufacturing begins to help ensure the complete system works as intended.

Start your NDIS door project with Perth Window & Door Replacement

The right NDIS door solution should improve everyday access while considering door width, threshold height, controls, available space and future needs.

Where a home modification assessor has recommended a new doorway, Perth Window & Door can assist with a custom aluminium door and frame designed around the required opening, configuration and finish.

Explore Perth Window & Door’s aluminium door options, then contact the team to discuss the door measurements, property requirements and next steps.