Specialist Disability Accommodation Providers

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a type of accommodation that is intended to enable anyone who is an eligible NDIS participant to live in the community and receive the support they need. It, therefore, refers to the property itself rather than to the support or services that are provided in the property.

SDA does not cover the housing needs of everyone with disability but instead refers to specialist solutions that are needed by those with high support requirements or extreme functional impairment. It, therefore, focuses on homes with special facilities to meet those needs and on locations that enable complex support to be given to assist independent living.

SDA properties fall into specific design categories that must meet minimum standards for new builds as set out in relevant design standards for Livable Housing Australia. These design categories are:

• Basic, which applies only to existing housing stock rather than new builds. Such housing will have no specialist design features but will have important NDIS characteristics such as its location, privacy and availability of shared support
• Improved Livability will conform to the Livable Housing Australia Silver level and will have design features that include lighting contrasts, improved lines of sight and way finding. These properties are aimed at those with intellectual, cognitive or sensory impairment and will provide a reasonable level of physical access.
• Fully Accessible will be a Platinum level property that has a high level of provision for physical access and is intended for those who have significant physical impairment. Features may include wheelchair accessible doors, automated controls and kitchen and bathroom equipment and appliances that can be used when sitting or standing.
• Robust will be a Livable Housing Australia Silver level property that will be very resilient and have a high level of provision for physical access. Such properties have sound proofing to reduce noise disturbance, areas where staff can go to avoid being harmed, sufficient space for residents who have complex behaviours, high impact fittings and secure doors and windows.
• High Physical Support is intended for residents with severe physical impairment who require high levels of support. Features are as for the Fully Accessible category plus assistive technology, provision for hoists, wide opening doors, emergency power in case of outages and necessary heating/cooling and communication technology.

SDA covers all types of buildings, including self-contained apartments, semi-detached properties, houses and group accommodation for several residents. Anything that’s suitable for people with high support needs is considered and innovative features are being developed to cater for participants. SDA funding is also growing and is expected to reach $700 million annually.

Any participant who is eligible for support under NDIS rules will receive an amount of funding based on their needs and goals as well as the type, category and location of a property. Funding is allocated directly to the participant who can then use it to find an appropriate property, the provider then claiming the participant’s funding in payment. The Housing Hub and NEST websites match disabled people to their housing needs so they can find a suitable property.

This is a big opportunity for SDA providers who need to know what is expected of them and how they can use the scheme properly. At PROVIDERplus, we can help you become a registered SDA provider in the shortest possible time, supply up-to-date information, provide appropriate training and give relevant advice, so you’re totally prepared to participate fully in the SDA scheme.