Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a type of housing designed to meet the needs of people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
This type of accommodation is specifically tailored to the individual’s needs and can include features such as wheelchair access, sensory rooms, and other modifications that make living independently possible.
SDA is often provided by specialist disability service providers and is funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The NDIS provides funding for SDA to eligible participants, It can include modifications to existing dwellings or purpose-built homes that are specifically designed for people with disabilities who require specialist housing solutions as well as ongoing costs such as rent.
SDA is an important part of the NDIS, as it allows people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes. This can provide a safe and secure environment for people with disabilities, as well as give them the opportunity to live more independently with the support they need.
SDA can also provide people with disabilities access to the community, allowing them to participate in activities and socialise with others helping them to improve their quality of life and well-being such as personal care, domestic assistance and transport.
Housing options
SDA is an important part of the NDIS, and it is important that people with disabilities are aware of their options when it comes to housing.
New purpose-built homes
Brand new purpose-built homes, these homes are designed for people with disabilities, providing specialised disability support. These are purpose-built homes designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities and can be built by the participant, or leased from a third party.
Short term accommodation (STA)
This type of accommodation is designed to meet the needs of people who require short-term housing due to a change in their circumstances or an emergency situation.
Medium term accommodation (MTA)
MTA is designed to provide short-term accommodation for up to 12 months. It can be provided in a variety of settings including group homes, boarding houses and supported independent living.
It is important to remember that MTA is not a permanent housing solution and should only be used while long term SDA funding is being processed.
Boarding houses
These are homes where participants can live independently, but with support from staff. The staff provide assistance with daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation and medication management.
Group homes
These are homes shared by several participants who have similar support needs. The home is staffed 24/7 and provides assistance with daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation and medication management.
Supported independent living (SIL)
These are homes where participants can live independently, but with support from staff. The staff provide assistance with daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation and medication management.
Design standard
The SDA Design Standard is a set of requirements for all new specialist disability accommodations.
Compliance with the Design Standard and Australian National Construction Code is necessary to ensure safe access to quality and of high quality to ensure people with disabilities have access to quality accommodation that meets their individual needs.
The design standard covers a range of areas including:
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Accessibility – ensuring that the accommodation is accessible for people with disabilities
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Design and construction - of specialist disability accommodation the layout, materials, fixtures and fittings, as well as the installation of assistive technology.
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Safety – making sure the accommodation meets safety standards
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Sustainability – making sure the accommodation meets sustainability standards
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Energy efficiency – making sure the accommodation is energy efficient
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Environmental performance – making sure the accommodation meets environmental standards.
Features
The SDA Design Standard also requires that all new SDA dwellings are built to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including those with physical, sensory and cognitive impairments.
Accessibility features - include wide doorways and hallways, ramps, grab rails, and other modifications to make the home easier to navigate.
Specialist features such as hoists, ramps and other modifications make it easier for people with disabilities to move around their homes.
Safety features - include smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting systems, and other safety measures.
Sustainability features - include energy-efficient appliances and materials that are designed to reduce energy consumption.
Other features - may include accessible bathrooms, kitchens and laundry facilities, as well as specialist equipment such as adjustable beds and chairs.
Providers
SDA providers play an important role in providing safe and secure housing for people with disability, and in helping them to live independently.
SDA providers can include private landlords, family members of people with disability, and organisations (not-for-profit or for-profit).
SDA providers receive funding from the NDIA and can charge controlled rent directly from each resident.
Rules
SDA providers must comply with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s Code of Conduct, as well as the requirements of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, in order to ensure that people with disability have access to suitable and affordable housing.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, includes:
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Ensuring that SDA is safe and secure
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Providing appropriate support to people with disability
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Ensuring that SDA is of a suitable size and design
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Ensuring that SDA meets the needs of the individual
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Providing access to appropriate services, such as transport and healthcare
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Ensuring that SDA is affordable for people with disability.
Funding
The SDA Rules outline dwelling enrolment requirements such as design categories, building types and other features that affect prices.
SDA funding must be applied for and included in an NDIS plan to cover any disability-related housing costs. The NDIS also provides rental assistance to help cover ongoing costs associated with SDA.
The NDIS will provide funding for SDA in the form of a capital support payment.
This payment is based on the participant’s individual assessed need and circumstance this will also vary depending on the type of accommodation, its location and other factors such as whether it is shared or private.
Conclusion
SDA providers play an important role in providing safe and secure housing for people with disability, and in helping them to live independently.