What is Specialist Disability Accommodation?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing designed for NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA funding pays for the bricks and mortar — the building itself — separately from the day-to-day support a participant receives.
Purpose-built homes, not modified stock.
Every SDA dwelling is designed from the ground up for accessibility, support delivery and long-term tenancy — with features that standard housing cannot reasonably provide.
SDA vs SIL — what's the difference?
SDA funds the home — the specialist building itself. It is paid to the SDA provider (like Indus Ability) by the NDIA.
SIL (Supported Independent Living) funds the support workers who help with daily living. It is paid to the SIL provider — which the participant chooses, and can change, without affecting their tenancy.
Keeping the two separate protects the participant: your home is not tied to your support provider.
The four SDA design categories.
Every SDA dwelling is enrolled with the NDIA against one design category. The category drives both the design and the SDA payment level.
High Physical Support
For participants with significant physical impairment requiring very high levels of person-to-person and assistive technology support.
- ›Structural provision for ceiling hoists
- ›Wider doorways, corridors and circulation
- ›Emergency backup power
- ›Height-adjustable benches and basins
- ›Assistive technology readiness throughout
Robust
Resilient construction for participants whose behaviours of concern may impact the dwelling, reducing risk of injury and reactive maintenance.
- ›Impact-resistant wall and door linings
- ›Tamper-resistant fixtures and fittings
- ›Acoustic isolation between bedrooms
- ›Secure outdoor space
- ›Discreet line-of-sight from staff areas
Fully Accessible
Step-free, wheelchair-friendly homes for participants with significant physical impairment.
- ›Step-free entry and circulation
- ›Roll-in shower and accessible bathroom
- ›Accessible kitchen with knee clearance
- ›Wide doorways and turning circles
- ›Reachable switches, power and storage
Improved Liveability
Enhanced light, contrast and easy-to-use features for participants with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment.
- ›Improved natural light throughout
- ›Visual contrast on doors, edges and fixtures
- ›Easy-to-use fittings and controls
- ›Reduced wayfinding complexity
- ›Calming acoustic and thermal comfort
Not sure which category applies?
SDA category is determined by your NDIS plan and an SDA assessment. We can help you understand what's funded and what's possible.