If you or family member or even friend is on the NDIS you may have heard of these two terms: SDA and SIL. But what do they mean? SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation, while SIL stands for Supported Independent Living.
SDA is the bricks and mortar that make up the home (the physical property). It’s for participants who have complex or high support needs and can’t live in conventional housing. There are four categories of SDA homes: High Physical Support, Robust, Improved Liveability and Fully Accessible. Each category is built for different support needs. SDA funding only covers the home, so things like electricity or personal assistance is separate. We have a more in-depth article about SDA here.
SIL is the personal assistance supports inside a home, like getting dressed and meal preparation. It’s for participants whose disability severely affects their ability to live independently. Participants who require SIL funding need supports very frequently or even around the clock. The purpose of this funding is to help participants develop their skills and encourage them to live as independently as possible. SIL funding doesn’t include food, rent or community participation (among other things) associated with your accommodation.
You may ask, why separate SIL and SDA? There are several reasons: Choice, Accountability, Clarity and Specialization. Unfortunately, an investigation by a joint committee of the Australian Parliament found the SIL option is failing thousands of participants in their choice and control. Some SIL options can resemble institutions more than homes, which the NDIA is working on improving. At SDA Australia Group, we do not provide SIL funding or stipulate who the SIL should be so participants are free to choose their own supports, in a home that suits them.