Answering what is Specialist Disability Accommodation and more!

When it comes to navigating SDA, it can be confusing and hard to get your head around terminology and eligibility. In this article, we’re looking at what is Specialist Disability Accommodation, whether are you eligible, and how to find a home that suits you.

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation?

According to the NDIS, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a range of housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high needs.

SDA looks different to everyone; you might live in a shared home with fellow NDIS participants or you might live independently.

NDIS participants can receive funding for SDA housing in their plans, however, it’s important to note that this isn’t rent. SDA funding includes the cost of the home but won’t include rent or the services or support you might need in your home.

Can my house be considered SDA accommodation?

SDA houses can’t just be anything, SDA homes need to be constructed well and be of a high standard. The NDIS outlines four conditions in their SDA Design standards, these considerations are: improved liveability, and robustness, they must be fully accessible, and include a high level of physical support.

The SDA design standards are important for NDIS participants, as well as providers to respond to needs and preferences, as well as architects and builders.

What are the standards?

The SDA standards include four categories. These are to ensure housing for NDIS participants is both constructed well and suits their needs. Let’s take a look at these categories:

Improved liveability: This means the housing must improve the ‘liveability’ of a participant. This can be
ensuring there is adequate physical access and enhanced provision for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairment.

Robust construction: Homes must incorporate a reasonable level of physical access provision and be constructed well. This aims to reduce maintenance and minimise any risk to the participant and the community.

Fully accessible: Houses need to be accessible for those with significant physical impairment and provisions may need to be made to make living easier.

High physical support: Housing needs to be designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provisions for those with significant impairment and requiring very high levels of support.

Am I eligible for SDA? How do I know?

Each NDIS participant has an NDIS plan, so it’s best to check your individual plan first to see if SDA housing is considered in your plan. If you’re not quite sure how to read your plan or if you need help accessing it, you can contact us here.

If SDA isn’t included in your plan, you can apply via the NDIS here. From there, an assessment will be made to see if you’re suitable for SDA housing.
These decisions are based on whether you meet the criteria which includes high support needs or an extreme functional impairment. This means you may experience difficulties completing everyday tasks or encounter difficulties moving around independently.

How can Aspire Hub help?

At Aspire Hub, we have a range of SDA houses across southeast Queensland, Western Australia, and now Bundaberg. Our homes are located close to public transport and situated in safe, comfortable neighborhoods. Living in a connected community isn’t just easier, it also allows you to continue to live the life you choose and stay connected to your community.

With more than 30 years of combined experience in the industry, we’re an NDIS-registered provider that understands our customers. With a focus on managing complex and high needs, we want everyone to feel empowered to live the life they choose.

Our SDA accommodation options meet the design standards and government guidelines so you can rest assured you’re in safe hands and with a tailored approach, we’ll work with you to find the perfect home that suits your needs.

How do I find SDA houses?

Finding SDA houses can be tricky; it can even be overwhelming to know where to start. The NDIS has an SDA Finder Tool to make things easier. From there you can view a range of homes and find which best supports your needs, in a location close to home. At Aspire Hub, we also have a list of SDA-approved homes that allow you to live in a purpose-built, accessible home tailored to your specific needs. You can see a full list of our current vacancies here.

How long will I have to wait?

As a leading NDIS provider, we have a growing list of supported accommodation options including SDA and with no waiting lists, we’re ready when you are. Get in touch with our friendly team today!

Can’t find something that suits you? Or not sure which type of housing best suits your needs? We’re here to help, for more options, feel free to reach out to us.

We hope that clears up what is Specialist Disability Accommodation. Do you have more SDA questions? Or are you ready to find the right home? Get in touch with us today!