About this paper
This is the Metrological Research Foundation's first contribution to a research programme on residential accessibility assessment in Australia. It is an open, evidence-informed starting point. Methodologies, assumptions and findings will be refined through industry engagement, pilot studies and peer review.
The Foundation originated from applied commercial practice in indoor spatial measurement. That practical experience informed both the issues identified in this paper and the technical approach proposed to address them. The paper does not advocate for a particular product or procurement pathway and does not prescribe a specific technology. It identifies the characteristics required of a measurement methodology that can operate at system scale, supporting a more rigorous, evidence-based and scalable approach to a problem that affects Australians who depend on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The methodology described here is intended to ensure that NDIS supports are accurately matched to participant needs, based on verifiable environmental data. It is not intended to constrain participant supports or reduce funding allocations. Precision in assessment reduces error and improves outcomes for participants and for the scheme.
Profiles of the authors and further information about the Foundation are in Appendix A.
