Updated on June 25, 2024
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is an important part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia that provides housing solutions for people with extreme functional impairment or high support needs, allowing them to live more independently.
SDA creates a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment that encourages independence and self-reliance.
These homes are designed with specific needs, incorporating features like wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and assistive technologies.
Unlike standard housing, even with modifications, SDA caters to a wider range of disabilities, from physical limitations to cognitive impairments.
>> Read more about Accessible Accommodation.
What are SDA Eligibility Criteria?
To be eligible for SDA, NDIS participants must meet specific criteria indicating that they have very high support needs or extreme functional impairment.
The NDIS assesses each participant’s situation to determine appropriate SDA funding.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:
- Severity of Disability: Your disability must significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities like dressing, bathing, or safely navigating your surroundings.
- Standard Housing Inadequacy: If regular housing poses a significant risk to your safety or well-being, even with modifications.
- Permanence of Disability: The NDIS typically funds SDA for individuals with long-term or permanent disabilities.
What are the Types of Specialist Disability Accommodation?
The 4 main SDA design types are:
- Improved Livability
- Robust SDA
- Fully Accessible
- High Physical Support
1. Improved Livability
Wider doorways and hallways
These are more like standard homes with accessibility enhancements.
Improved livability is ideal for people with mild to moderate mobility limitations, difficulty grasping or reaching, or sensory processing issues.
Improved Livability improves living in these houses by providing features like:
- Wider doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility aids.
- Lowered benchtops and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms for easier access.
- Lever handles on doors and drawers for easier opening and closing.
- Non-slip flooring in bathrooms and other potentially wet areas to prevent falls.
- Clear pathways throughout the house with minimal obstacles.
- Visual and auditory cues like doorbell flashes or grab bars with contrasting colours for those with sensory impairments.
2. Robust SDA
These accommodations prioritise safety and durability, catering to individuals with complex behavioural needs. The focus is minimising the risk of injury to the resident and others.
This type of design may be ideal for individuals who need assistance managing complex and challenging behaviours.
A key consideration is assessing the frequency and extent of any property damage they cause.
Robust housing is suitable for people who may engage in self-harming behaviours, have difficulty managing emotions or expressing them constructively, or require a high level of supervision to ensure safety.
Some of these features may include:
- Assistive Technologies: Robust accommodations may integrate specific assistive technologies depending on the resident’s needs.
- Sensory Integration Features: Lighting systems that can be adjusted to create a calming atmosphere or noise-cancelling features can significantly benefit individuals sensitive to sensory stimuli.
- Dedicated Calming Spaces: A designated quiet room with comfortable furniture and calming colours can provide a serene ambience for residents to de-escalate during emotional distress.
- Security Cameras (with Privacy Considerations): Cameras strategically placed in common areas (with proper privacy protocols) can help monitor the resident’s safety and well-being, especially at night or when staff is not readily available.
3. Fully Accessible
These homes are designed for individuals with significant physical limitations who require extensive support with daily activities.
Accessibility is more important, ensuring residents can navigate the space independently or with minimal assistance.
Fully accessible accommodations are ideal for people who may have Spinal cord injuries, Muscular dystrophy, Severe arthritis, or other mobility limitations.
Here are some key elements:
- Roll-in showers with grab bars and shower seats.
- Lowered light switches and thermostats for easy reach.
- Accessible kitchen appliances with features like voice control or lowered knobs.
- Ceiling hoists in some rooms to assist with transfers.
- Wide turning circles in all rooms to manoeuvre wheelchairs or other mobility aids easily.
- Automated door openers for hands-free access.
4. High Physical Support
Smart home technology
These accommodations take accessibility to the next level, offering specialised features for individuals with the most critical needs.
Imagine fully accessible features with additional support systems built-in.
High physical support accommodations cater to people who may require Constant medical attention or life support equipment, Extensive assistance with all daily activities, and Complex communication needs.
Here are some unique elements:
- Backup power supply to ensure essential equipment like ventilators continue to function during outages.
- Smart home technology controls lights, thermostats, and other devices using voice commands or assistive switches.
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to facilitate communication for those with speech difficulties.
- Advanced assistive technologies like robotic arms or environmental control systems.
How is the appropriate SDA design category determined?
The person’s needs are assessed to determine which of the four specialist disability accommodation design categories is most appropriate.
A design category refers to the necessary features in a home based on disability support needs.
The evaluation considers how the features of each design category would facilitate access to and use of other supports. Additionally, it examines how all supports work together.
For instance, a design category is unsuitable if it complicates access to other supports or poses risks to health and safety.
Determining the design category involves reviewing reports from health professionals and considering the individual’s goals.
Factors such as additional space around the bed, bathroom, kitchen, or specific care requirements are considered.
The selected design category will support access to other necessary supports and include the required features for comfortable living.
The most suitable support model for the individual’s needs is also considered.
What is SDA Funding and Pricing?
SDA funding is provided as part of an NDIS participant’s plan. The funding covers the accommodation cost and is separate from other support services. The NDIS sets pricing arrangements and price limits for SDA to ensure sustainability and fairness within the market. Participants are required to pay a reasonable rent contribution, typically a portion of their Disability Support Pension.
How to Fund and Apply for SDA
Once SDA funding is included in an NDIS participant’s plan, they can search for available accommodations using tools like the SDA Finder and the Housing Hub.
These platforms allow users to filter search results by building type, design category, location, and other preferences.
The Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- For people new to NDIS: Confirm your eligibility to become a participant using the NDIS checklist (link provided).
- For Existing Participants: Ensure your current needs meet the high support requirements for SDA funding. Consider if SDA housing will improve your independence.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
- Allied Health Functional Capacity Housing Assessment Report (SDA specific): This is important evidence for your application.
- Home and Living Supports Request Form: Official request document.
- Personal Housing Statement: Explain your situation and needs.
- Additional Supporting Documentation (optional): Psychological assessments or GP letters can strengthen your case.
- Review the NDIS Booklets and Factsheets (link provided) for further guidance.
Step 3: NDIS Planning Meeting
- New Participants: Discuss SDA eligibility during your initial NDIS planning meeting. Include a housing goal outlining your desire to explore SDA options.
- Existing Participants: Request an NDIS plan review to add a housing goal and explore SDA possibilities.
Step 4: Next Steps
- NDIS Funding for Exploration: The NDIS may allocate funding to explore housing options after your meeting.
- Functional Capacity Housing Assessment: An Occupational Therapist (or similar professional) will assess your needs to determine SDA eligibility.
- SDA Funding Approval: If approved, contact an SDA Provider (like Sana Living) to discuss funding levels and suitable housing options.
Remember: Seek support from your NDIS planner or disability support organisation if needed. Plan for the future by considering housing that can accommodate your evolving needs.
What’s the difference between SDA and SIL?
SDA focuses on providing specialised housing designed or modified for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairments. SIL provides support services to help people with disabilities live independently by assisting with daily activities.
What is Accommodation for Disability?
Accommodation for disability refers to modifications or adjustments to environments such as homes, workplaces, or educational settings to ensure individuals with disabilities can access and participate fully.
What is a SIL provider?
A SIL provider is an organisation or individual that delivers support services to people with disabilities, helping them live as independently as possible. These providers offer assistance with daily living activities such as personal care, cooking, cleaning, medication management, and developing skills to enhance independence.
Looking for reliable and trustworthy care services?
At Centre Disability Support, we offer tailored support services for individuals with disabilities throughout Australia. We offer housing options in Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane areas, where we provide independent supported living or assist individuals in finding suitable options for individualised living.
Additionally, we provide day-to-day support for individuals with mental health issues, complex behaviour and other types of disabilities. We also have support coordinators available to assist with planning, navigating NDIS plans, and offering casework support.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, or a loved one, or simply wish to learn more about our services, we’re here to help.
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