What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to purpose-built housing designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with severe physical or intellectual disabilities. 

In this guide, we cover what SDA is, its eligibility criteria, the types of housing available, and how iCare supports access to SDA.

About Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

SDA housing support is designed to cater to the specific needs of its residents. This includes features such as wider doorways, specialised layouts to enhance mobility, and reinforced walls capable of supporting medical or mobility equipment attachments. These accommodations aim to enhance independence and promote active community participation. 

SDA is a key part of the NDIS support system in Australia, tailored for those with severe functional impairments or very high support needs.

Who is eligible for SDA housing?

Eligibility for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) within Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is specific, focusing on a smaller group of participants with significant functional impairments or very high support needs.

If someone has an extreme functional impairment, they need to demonstrate that their impairment is severe enough to require specialised housing solutions for daily activities and enhanced safety.

Eligibility may also apply for those with high support needs who require substantial, ongoing support that other housing options can't fully provide. This often means needing extensive help from carers and possibly benefiting from housing designed to handle complex behaviours or health issues.

Types of SDA 

The features of SDA housing are controlled by the SDA Design Standard, which sorts these homes into four types based on the level of physical support required: 

Improved Liveability

Robust

Fully Accessible

High Physical Support

Each category tailors the home's features to fit the specific needs of its residents. These aspects ensure that SDA housing provides a safe, accessible, supportive living space. 

What is the difference between Specialist Disability Accommodation and Other NDIS Housing Supports?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and other NDIS housing supports share common goals of promoting independence and community engagement. They are both funded through the NDIS, yet they differ significantly:

Similarities:

• Both aim to enhance participants' independence and community involvement.
• Funding for both types is part of participants' NDIS plans.

Differences:

• SDA is specifically for those with severe functional impairments or high support needs, focusing on physical housing infrastructure.
• Other NDIS housing supports cover broader services like daily living assistance and home modifications, not just physical structures.
• SDA provides long-term housing solutions, while other supports may be more flexible or temporary to adapt to changing participant needs.

Understanding these distinctions helps in selecting the right housing option under the NDIS based on individual circumstances.

NDIS SDA at iCare

iCare offers high-quality, accessible accommodation funded through SDA in NDIS plans. SDA caters to individuals with very high support needs and specialist housing requirements, distinct from SIL support.

Designed for permanent disabilities, SDA provides a supportive living environment promoting independence. Various vacancies are available in SDA dwellings in Alice Springs and beyond.

Looking for a specialised home to meet specific accessibility needs? Schedule a meeting now.