Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a special type of housing designed for individuals dealing with severe functional impairments or exceptionally high support needs, and the housing is designed to specifically cater to those requirements. This type of accommodation is for those who need assistance with everyday tasks, such as personal care, mobility, and communication. SDA aims to promote greater independence while ensuring that necessary support services can be provided more effectively and safely.

SDA properties are purpose-built or modified to incorporate various features, such as wider doorways, wheelchair ramps, assistive technology, accessible bathrooms, sensory aids, and specialized amenities. For instance, the individual's need might necessitate a home with reinforced ceilings to install a ceiling hoist. However, it is important to note that SDA itself does not include the direct services or support related to your disability needs, such as personal care, supported independent living (SIL), or specific assistive technologies.

SDA can take the form of shared housing with a small group of individuals, each having a private bedroom. Additionally, the individual can choose to share a bedroom with someone like a partner.

Specialist Disability Accommodation Rules

The rules governing SDA are set by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS sets specific criteria regarding eligibility for SDA funding and to be eligible for SDA, individuals must have an SDA functional assessment in their NDIS plan, which assesses the level of support they require. An assessment by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) is necessary to determine SDA eligibility and individuals must possess extreme functional impairments or high support needs to qualify for SDA funding.

The NDIS classifies SDA properties into four category levels: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, High Physical Support, and Robust Construction. Each category corresponds to different levels of support required by individuals and facilitates tailored housing options.

Improved Liveability

This housing is specifically crafted to enhance overall "liveability," incorporating features that promote improved physical access. Individuals with cognitive, intellectual, or sensory impairments may find significant benefits with this design category.

Key features include:

• Contrast between doors and walls.
• Limiting the number of corridors and passageways to enhance navigation.
• Potential inclusion of visual assistance lines, depending on an individual’s needs.
• Task lighting is directed at specific areas.

Fully Accessible

Homes falling under this category must offer increased physical access support for those with significant functional impairments. This is particularly suitable for individuals who spend a large part of their day in a wheelchair.

These homes must encompass:

• Wheelchair accessibility at all entry and exit points.
• No level changes at door thresholds, stairs, or other obstacles.
• Placement of bathroom basins and vanities within reach for individuals in both seated and standing positions.
• Power supply provisions for doors and windows (blinds) to accommodate Assistive Technology, depending on the individual’s needs.
• Consideration for automation and accessibility in kitchen areas for those engaged in meal preparation, including adjustable benchtops and accessible kitchen appliances, depending on the individual’s needs.

High Physical Support

Housing in this category demands highly specialized design to further enhance physical accessibility. These homes must be equipped with structural provisions for ceiling hoists, be prepared for assistive and communication technology, and include emergency power solutions. Wider than usual door openings are also required.

Specifications include all Fully Inclusive features (see above), with these additional elements:

• Accessibility of kitchen elements in seated or standing positions, including benchtops, sink, cooktop, meal preparation area, and key appliances.
• Allowances for additional structural support to accommodate mobility equipment, e.g. ceiling hoists (depending on individual’s ambulation ability).
• Readiness for assistive technology
• Household communication and automation technology
• Have access to emergency power for a minimum of two hours when an outage occurs
• Habitable rooms need 950mm clear opening-width doors
• Inclusion of supports for raising floor-based equipment off the floor e.g. washing machines and clothes driers

Robust Housing

The focus of robust housing extends beyond physical access to prioritize resilience, safety, and durability. Tailored for individuals with complex behaviours, the design features aim to safeguard participants, support coordinators, and staff.

Key features of robust housing include:

• High-impact wall lining, fittings, and fixtures (e.g., blinds, door handles).
• Secure windows, doors, and external areas.
• Soundproofing areas that residents are likely to create noise
• Designated areas that staff and tenants retreat to when required to minimize harm
• Use of safety glass.
• Satisfactory room sizes, with additional safety measures to house participants with complex behaviours.

Specialist Disability Accommodation Pricing Arrangements and NDIS Limits

SDA operates under a pricing structure based on different levels of support and the specific design category of the property. The NDIS has established price limits for each category to ensure that the funding remains fair, transparent, and sustainable. Participants may choose from different pricing options, including shared living, where common areas are shared among residents, or individual living, where residents have their own private dwellings.

It's important to understand the support costs associated with SDA and how they align with the participants funding. For example, living in SDA involves paying rent and managing day-to-day living expenses, such as utility bills. The NDIS website provides detailed information on pricing arrangements and price limits to help participants assess the financial aspects of SDA.

What to do with your SDA funding

Once participants receive Specialist Disability Accommodation funding in their NDIS plan, you can start exploring housing options that align with their preferences and needs. The first step is to get in touch with one of our dedicated client affairs managers who can guide participants through the process of finding suitable accommodation, as well as providing information about vacancies, property features, and associated support services.

What to Look for in Specialist Disability Accommodation

When searching for Specialist Disability Accommodation, it is important to consider the following to ensure the best possible living environment:

• Accessibility: Must provide easy access and mobility for individuals with disabilities.
• Safety: Such as emergency systems, secure entrances, and supportive staff.
• Proximity to Support Services: Availability to nearby support services, such as medical facilities, and accessibility to public transportation.
• Social Inclusion: Promote and encourage social interaction and community engagement through shared spaces or organized activities.

Differentiating SDA from Supported Independent Living

While both SDA and supported independent living (SIL) offer housing options for individuals with disabilities, there are differences. While SDA focuses on providing suitable housing options, SIL focuses primarily on the provision of individualized support services.

Specialist Disability Accommodation is a valuable resource for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers who need suitable long-term housing options that offer extensive support. Our facility in Modbury means participants can move in, or depending on the circumstances, be provided with an SDA house in a location closer to their family to suit their needs.

If you would like further clarification regarding SDA, get in touch with our helpful team at Para Ability Community Care who can offer advice regarding any necessary care and support services. We are so much more than your average disability services provider.