Designing a Bathroom That’s NDIS-Friendly
Accessibility should never compromise on style — especially in your bathroom. Whether you’re renovating for yourself, a loved one, or a client, it’s entirely possible to create a bathroom that meets NDIS guidelines without feeling clinical or cold. With a bit of planning and the right materials, you can combine safety, function, and modern design in one space, especially around the bathroom.
Why Accessible Bathrooms Matter
An accessible bathroom isn’t just about ticking boxes. It can dramatically improve comfort, independence and peace of mind. For people living with a disability — and those ageing in place — having a well-designed bathroom with features like a shower seat makes daily routines safer and more manageable. And under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), eligible Australians can receive funding to support these modifications when designed appropriately.
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Layout and Entry Considerations
Wide Doorways and Open Space
Start with access. You’ll want a minimum of 850mm clear width for doorways to allow a wheelchair to enter comfortably. If space permits, wider is even better. Where possible, consider installing a sliding door or an outward-swinging door — it keeps the bathroom space clear and provides safer access in an emergency.
Inside, aim for an open layout with at least 1500mm turning space. That turning circle ensures enough room for mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers, essential features for a bathroom for accessibility. If you’re working in a tighter space, it might mean rearranging fixtures or choosing compact alternatives — but safety and access should come first.
Shower Design
Hobless Showers (Step-Free)
A hobless shower (with no step or lip) is a must for NDIS-friendly bathrooms and essential for accessible bathroom modifications. This allows for easy roll-in access, whether using a wheelchair or walking aid. It also reduces tripping hazards for everyone, including kids and older adults.
Ideally, the shower area should be at least 1100mm x 1160mm, though larger is better — especially if carer assistance is needed. The shower floor should be gently graded for drainage without abrupt changes in level. For a clean look, go for a linear drain and matching tile finish.
Seats and Fixtures
Including a fold-down seat or built-in bench adds both comfort and practicality. A handheld showerhead on an adjustable rail makes washing easier whether standing or seated. Controls should be easy to reach and use — ideally lever-operated and within arm’s reach from the seat.
Grab Rails That Blend In
Stylish and Practical
Grab rails provide essential support, especially near the toilet and inside the shower. They should be securely installed into reinforced walls — so plan this during renovation, even if you don’t need them straight away.
While grab rails used to scream “hospital bathroom”, that’s no longer the case. Today, you’ll find designer rails in matte black, brushed gold or stainless steel, many of which double as towel rails. These blend into modern bathrooms while still offering full functionality.
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Toilets and Vanities
Comfort Height Toilets
A raised toilet (sometimes called comfort height or easy height) sits higher than standard models, making it easier to sit and stand. Look for options around 460mm from floor to seat top — this helps with transfers and reduces strain on the knees.
Accessible Vanities and Taps
Wall-hung vanities are ideal, as they leave space beneath for a wheelchair user to roll up close. Make sure tapware is easy to use — lever handles or sensor taps are perfect. Also consider lowering mirror heights slightly, or choosing a tiltable mirror, so everyone can use it comfortably.
Flooring and Safety
Slip-Resistant Surfaces
The bathroom floor should be slip-resistant even when wet. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety — modern matte-finish tiles or vinyl flooring with anti-slip ratings are widely available and come in all sorts of colours and textures.
Avoid thresholds or lips between floor areas. Instead, aim for a consistent, flush surface throughout the bathroom, including into the shower area. It looks neater and removes trip hazards, which is crucial for individuals with limited mobility.
Compliance and Personalisation
Understanding Australian Standards
While private homes aren’t legally required to follow commercial accessibility standards, using AS 1428.1 as a guide is a smart move — especially if the project is being funded through NDIS. This standard outlines best practices for access, safety, and mobility across areas like door width, fixture placement, and grab rail positioning for accessible bathroom modifications.
Waterproofing must also meet AS 3740, especially when creating hobless showers, to prevent damage and ensure longevity.
Involving the Right People
If you’re working through the NDIS, it’s often necessary (and always helpful) to involve an expert in creating an accessible bathroom. occupational therapist. They’ll tailor recommendations to the person’s unique needs — for example, the ideal height for grab rails or specific placement of bathroom fixtures.
Even outside of NDIS, their insights are invaluable. They bring a practical, lived-experience lens that makes the space genuinely usable — not just compliant on paper, especially for those living with disability.
Designing for Now and Later
It’s a smart idea to think ahead. You might not need all the features now, but reinforcing walls, choosing adaptable layouts and selecting versatile fittings means you’re ready for the future. Accessibility isn’t only for people with disabilities — it benefits older adults, children, and anyone recovering from injury too.
Bringing It All Together
An NDIS-friendly bathroom doesn’t have to feel clinical — it just has to work well for the person using it. At Eternity Bathrooms, we design accessible bathrooms that feel like home. Whether you’re renovating an existing space or planning a new build, we can help you get the layout, safety and style just right.
