Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) plays a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of individuals with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Unlike Supported Independent Living (SIL), which focuses on support services, SDA pertains specifically to the physical structure of homes. The primary objective of SDA is to provide a living environment that enables participants with complex needs to lead the most independent life possible.
Many individuals with such complex needs currently reside in unsuitable accommodations like nursing homes, even if they are under 65 and desire greater control over their lives. Finding suitable accommodation is challenging, with only a small percentage of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, as little as 6%, receiving SDA funding. The assessment and gathering evidence process for funding can take up to a year, posing an additional hurdle.
SDA housing is designed to be future-proof, anticipating the evolving needs of participants to prevent the necessity of moving out. Considerations include structural provisions for features like ceiling hoists in High Physical Support homes, ensuring that if participants require such amenities in the future, the groundwork has already been laid. Homes certified under SDA standards meet the criteria set by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and are evaluated by SDA assessors. These standards encompass categories such as Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, and High Physical Support, and a single house may be certified under multiple design categories.
Upon securing SDA funding, participants can enjoy the assurance that they won’t face high rental costs again. The National Disability Insurance Scheme stipulates a reasonable rent contribution of 25 percent of the base rate of the Disability Support Pension. This financial support, combined with the tailored design of SDA-certified homes, aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with complex needs by providing a stable and supportive living environment. Additionally, for those who already have an NDIS plan without SDA funding, there is the option to submit a change of circumstances application, recognizing that the needs of participants may change over time. This flexibility is crucial as some disabilities may progress, affecting participants’ abilities, or caregivers, such as parents, may become unable to continue providing care.