Specialist Disability Accommodation

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Specialist Disability Accommodation

Specialist Disability Accommodation

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a specific category of housing under the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme. SDA refers to accommodation designed for people with very  high support needs, who require specialized housing solutions to live more independently and comfortably. Here’s an overview of NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation: 

Purpose: SDA is designed to provide suitable housing options for individuals with significant disability who require complex or high level support. The aim is to create living environments that enable individuals to maximize their independence and quality of life. 

Accessibility and Adaptability: SDA properties are purpose-built or extensively modified to accommodate the uniqiue needs of residents. This includes features such as wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, ceiling hoists, specialized flooring, and other adaptions that cater to various disabilities. 

Funding: SDA funding is provided as a separate component of an individual’s NDIS plan. This funding covers the cost of the physical accommodation and the ongoing maintenance of the property. It is not meant to cover personal support services, which are funding separately though other parts of the NDIS plan. 

Design Categories: There are five design categories within SDA, ranging from basic to high needs: 

  •      Improved Livability: Properties with basic accessibility features. 
  • Fully Accessible: Properties that cater to residents with high physical support needs. 
  • Robust: Designed for residents with behaviors of concern or who may damage property. 
  • High Physical Support: Designed for residents with significant physical support needs. 
  •         Extreme Functional Impairment: For residents with very high support needs and complex disabilities. 
 
Provider Registration: Only approved SDA providers can offer and manage SDA properties. These providers need to meet specific criteria to ensure that the accommodations meet the required standards. 
 
Housing Market: The introduction of SDA has aimed to stimulate the market to develop high quality and innovative accommodation options that cater to a diverse range of disabilities. 
 
Resident Choice: Individuals with SDA funding have the choice of which DA property and provider they wish to engage with. This enables them to select the accommodation that best suits their needs and preferences. 
 
Review and Oversight: The NDIS continually reviews and assesses SDA properties to ensure they maintain the required standards and provide appropriate support for residents.