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Specialist Disability Accomodation (SDA)
What is SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to purpose-built housing designed to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities who require specialist housing solutions.
Am I Eligible?
Eligibility for SDA is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) based on an individual's functional impairment and their need for specialized housing.
How To Apply?
If you believe you may be eligible for SDA, the first step is to discuss your housing needs with your NDIS planner or support coordinator.
What is SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to purpose-built housing designed to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities who require specialist housing solutions. SDA properties are equipped with features and modifications that enable residents to live comfortably, safely, and with increased independence. These features may include wheelchair accessibility, assistive technology, and modifications to support participants with complex needs.
Am I Eligible?
Eligibility for SDA is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) based on an individual's functional impairment and their need for specialized housing. Generally, SDA is available to NDIS participants who meet the following criteria:
High Physical Support Needs: Individuals who require a high level of support due to their physical disability, such as those with severe mobility limitations or significant health care needs.
Improved Liveability: Individuals who would benefit from housing that has been specifically designed or modified to improve their quality of life, including features such as accessible bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces.
Fully Accessible Dwellings: Individuals who require housing that is fully accessible and meets their specific accessibility requirements, such as wheelchair accessibility or other mobility aids.
It's important to note that eligibility for SDA is determined through the NDIS planning process, and participants must meet certain criteria outlined by the NDIA.
How to Apply for SDA?
If you believe you may be eligible for SDA, the first step is to discuss your housing needs with your NDIS planner or support coordinator. They will assess your eligibility for SDA based on your individual circumstances and support needs.
Once eligibility has been confirmed, your NDIS planner will work with you to identify suitable SDA options and include them in your NDIS plan. From there, you can begin exploring available SDA properties and making arrangements for your transition into specialist disability accommodation.
At Boost Living, we are committed to assisting individuals with disabilities in finding the right SDA options to meet their needs. Our experienced team can provide guidance and support throughout the application process, ensuring that you have access to safe, comfortable, and inclusive housing solutions.
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Long term housing MUST be a goal in the participant's plan. If not, you will need to lodge a Change of Circumstances with the NDIA
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NDIA will fund the exploration of housing options, consisting of:
20 hours of support coordination to find Allied Health professionals to undertake the housing assessments; and
55 hours of support coordination to develop the housing plan
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The Support Coordinator assists the participant to explore their housing options. They will arrange the assessments to determine the likelihood of SDA eligibility and compile a housing plan to submit to the NDIA.
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The Occupational Therapist will complete the functional assessments required for the SDA report.
Tip: Find an OT who knows how to do SDA assessments. This can make all the difference to whether SDA funding is approved in the plan.
Note: An OT SDA assessment takes about 30-40 hours to complete.
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The Support Coordinator collates the reports. The Support Coordinator and the participant’s nominee then approve the Roster of Care to submit with the housing plan to the NDIA.
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Once approved, the funding will appear as Capital Supports and will state the amount of SDA funding, as well as:
The SDA design category (HPS, robust, IL, FA)
The building type; and
The location
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Happy with outcome -> Find the property you like and submit an EOI. The SDA funding will stay in the plan as a comment until the participant moves into a property.
Unhappy with outcome -> (i.e. SDA type, category or location) The Support Coordinator can request a review of the decision.
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The participant becomes a tenant:
Signs a tenancy agreement with the SDA provider
Approves the Roster of Care and service agreements with their support providers
Pays the rent [to the SDA provider]. Usually this is 25% of DSP plus rent assistancePays for their own everyday living expenses, such as groceries, electricity, hot water, internet, etc.
Specialist Disability Accommodation Categories
Boosted Living
Increased Access
Increased Access offers inclusive Specialist Disability Accommodation, ensuring safety, comfort, and independence. With diverse SDA categories, it removes barriers, empowering participants to engage fully in their daily lives and communities.
Boosted Living delivers tailored Specialist Disability Accommodation, focusing on comfort, accessibility, and independence. With various SDA categories, it empowers participants to thrive in supportive, inclusive environments that suit their unique needs.
Built To Last
High Physical Support
Built to Last offers robust Specialist Disability Accommodation designed for durability and safety. It features reinforced materials and secure spaces, ensuring long-term comfort and stability for participants with complex behavioral needs.
High Physical Support accommodation provides fully accessible environments with advanced features like ceiling hoists, backup power, and assistive technology. It ensures participants with complex needs receive maximum comfort, care, and independence.
