Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA, is specially designed housing for eligible people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It is different from the workers who assist someone in the home.
If you’re considering SDA, check both the funding requirements and the actual features of the dwelling. A design category alone won’t tell you whether a home suits you.
The four design categories
Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust and High Physical Support address different design needs. They are not a ranking of homes from basic to best.
Talk with the relevant professionals about which features matter for your needs. Ask about the actual measurements, equipment compatibility and location of a proposed home.
Eligibility and funding
The NDIA assesses SDA eligibility and funding under specific rules. Needing an accessible home does not automatically establish SDA eligibility.
The NDIA SDA explanation gives the current overview. Your plan and individual assessment determine what is available to you.
Search, then confirm
The official SDA finder can help you locate listings. Contact the provider to confirm the dwelling, vacancy, costs and features.
If possible, inspect the proposed home and ask about the tenancy, repairs, shared spaces and any personal contributions. Get important access details in writing.
Plan daily assistance separately
SDA does not supply every support a person needs. You may need separately funded SIL or another support arrangement. Ask who provides that assistance and how the roster will work.
Read housing and support agreements separately. A particular building does not require you to assume that every advertised support arrangement is suitable.
Vana Care provides direct disability support, including consideration of SIL enquiries. Ask our team about the assistance needed in your proposed home, while confirming property details with the housing provider.
