The latest NDIS Quarterly Report for the first quarter of 2023-2024 has unveiled intriguing trends in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). As of 30th September we’ve seen a significant uptick in active participants with SDA supports, a surge in average plan budgets, and a remarkable increase in total SDA supports within participant plans.
Key Statistics: A Deep Dive
Participant Growth and Budgetary Trends
The report highlights a remarkable 15% annual increase in active participants with SDA support over the last three years, reaching a substantial 23,227 by September 2023. This surge in participants is mirrored by a 12% quarterly increase in the average plan budget for SDA supports, where we have seen increases in funding for the improved liveability and fully accessible categories. Consequently, total SDA support within participant plans has witnessed a 29% annual growth, reaching a significant $395 million.
Enrolled Dwellings
The number of enrolled SDA dwellings has experienced a substantial 23% annual increase, totaling 8,299. As the building industry corrects itself after Covid, we are seeing more stock become available and the glut of unfinished homes reducing. Notably, the robust and high physical support design categories spearhead this growth, marking a 42% and 38% increase, respectively. This raises important questions about potential oversupply challenges in certain areas, especially considering the 808 dwellings in the high physical support category added in the last year.
Timeliness Challenges in Decision-Making
While progress is evident in Home and Living decision-making processes, concerns persist. The report discloses that only 76% of applications were finalized within 90 days in the September 2023 quarter, a slight improvement from the 67% recorded in the June 2023 quarter. However, with 10% or 412 participants still awaiting support implementation at the end of September 2023, timeliness to accessing SDA remains a significant problem. It’s also important to note that some data points which previously were shared regarding the timeliness of decision making for SDA have been omitted in this report.
Empowering Participants and Future Projections
The NDIA’s commitment to empowering participants has been demonstrated through a $1.018 million investment in home and living demonstration projects. These initiatives aim to enhance information, assistance, and connections support for NDIS participants exploring their housing options.
Projections indicate a robust growth trajectory, with the NDIA estimating a rise in SDA demand from 20,000 participants in June 2022 to approximately 36,700 by June 2042. This growth at 2.4% per annum, surpasses both the growth in the Australian population and the number of NDIS participants.
Navigating the Future of SDA
The Q1 2023-2024 NDIS Quarterly Report provides a nuanced perspective on the current state and future trajectory of Specialist Disability Accommodation. As the sector grapples with growing demand, potential oversupply challenges, and the imperative to expedite decision-making processes, everyone working in specialist disability accommodation must collaborate effectively to ensure the evolving needs of the disability community are met with agility and responsiveness.
Want to read more? Here’s the report.
Wondering how to get SDA in your NDIS plan? Here’s a quick overview.