As assistive living rapidly evolves, technology integrators have a unique role to play in designing ethical, reliable, and empowering systems for vulnerable users, writes Paul Skelton from CEDIA.

For years, smart home technology has promised comfort, efficiency, and luxury. But one of the most compelling and socially meaningful applications of this technology is now unfolding across Australia: assistive living. For professional integrators seeking a meaningful, expanding market, the assistive living and disability care sector represents not just a growth opportunity, but a chance to deliver real impact.

The numbers alone are compelling. According to recent figures, one in six Australians live with a disability. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) currently supports over 735,000 participants, and that number continues to grow. Meanwhile, the aged care sector is undergoing long-overdue reform, with an emphasis on ageing-in-place and improved quality of life. In both sectors, technology is being identified as a key enabler of safety, independence, and dignity.

But the opportunity is more than statistical. The assistive living sector is crying out for specialist knowledge. Occupational therapists and support coordinators often know what outcomes they want, but not what solutions exist. Builders and developers understand compliance but not connectivity. And end-users, especially those with complex needs, are frequently excluded from design conversations entirely.

This is where integrators can shine. Professional integrators are uniquely skilled in systems thinking, cross-technology compatibility, and user interface design. In the assistive living context, that means creating environments where residents can safely control their lighting, heating, entertainment, and communication systems with minimal effort and maximum personalisation.

Consider a non-verbal NDIS participant living in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). With the right integration, they can open blinds, unlock doors, or make an emergency call using only eye movement or a switch interface. For an elderly person with declining mobility, automation of lighting and climate can reduce fall risk and enhance wellbeing. In both cases, a smart home isn’t a luxury – it’s a tool for autonomy.

Integrators who enter this space will need to work differently. Ethical design principles become paramount. Systems must be robust, supportable, and easy to understand. Backup power, system redundancies, and clear documentation are not optional. Nor is the need to consult with users and their support teams from the outset. Cookie-cutter packages and plug-and-play devices won’t cut it.

Business-wise, the upside is strong. The NDIS, for example, has provision for home modifications and assistive technology. Registered providers working with the right partners can deliver systems that are funded, maintained, and upgraded under long-term plans. More importantly, word-of-mouth spreads quickly in this sector. Do it well, and one successful project can lead to many more.

This isn’t just about meeting market demand. It’s about elevating the role of integrators as ethical technologists – professionals who apply their expertise to enhance lives, not just entertain. With government reform, growing funding availability, and greater recognition of technology’s role in independent living, now is the time to act.

Assistive living is not a side hustle. It’s a sector in its own right. And for integrators willing to listen, learn, and lead, it could be the most rewarding work they ever do.