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Creating Accessible and Inclusive Housing: Universal Design in SDA
What is Universal Design Universal Design represents a design philosophy that creates spaces, products, and systems that serve all people regardless of age, ability, or cultural background. Universal Design implements inclusive thinking at the beginning of the design process to create environments that support full and independent participation for all users. Universal Design supports Equal Access by focusing on dignity and flexibility while recognising human diversity as a positive force that guides the creation of adaptable solutions for different life experiences. The built environment, education, technology, and public services benefit most from this approach because traditional design methods frequently create....
Understanding Luminance Contrast and Colour Contrast for SDA
Over the Christmas break, I was catching up on some podcasts, and one caught my attention because it contained incorrect information that confused Colour Contrast and Luminance Contrast whilst misquoting the prescriptive requirements, including 60% contrast being required and using paint swatches against door frames to work out the level of compliance. In this blog, I will review the prescriptive requirements for Luminance Contrast and Colour Contrast as detailed in the SDA Design Standards so people can refer to factual information rather than incorrect speculation. This is why you need to ensure your SDA Assessor and accredited provider understand these....
Disability Fire Safety Forum: Specialist Disability Accommodation
Fire safety in SDA Class 1, 2 and 3 buildings Perspectives from a Disability Access Consultant Towards the end of 2024, I was invited by Fire Rescue Victoria and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission to present at the Disability Fire Safety Forum that was focused on Improving fire safety for people with disability. The forum heard from a range of keynote speakers, including the Minister for the NDIS, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, followed by a series of practical workshops. The event aimed to identify challenges and risks around fire safety for people with disability,....
Converting an Existing House to Specialist Disability Accommodation
Also, check out our page. How to Design, Develop and Build Specialist Disability Accommodation What needs to be considered when refurbishing an existing dwelling? Each week, we receive a number of calls from people looking to convert an existing 1a house into Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Whilst this is possible, it is generally not a cost-effective exercise. The Pricing Arrangements for Specialist Disability Accommodation 2021-22 states for New Build is as follows: A dwelling is a New Build if it meets all of the following five conditions: 1). either: a) it was issued its first certificate of occupancy....
Why Robust SDA is Failing Participants, Carers and Investors
Most ‘Robust SDA’ properties being delivered to the market are falling short of meeting the requirements of participants, care providers, and investors. This is because there is minimal understanding of the requirements of participants, and little thought has been given to the design of the dwelling. Instead, we are seeing standard home designs being adapted to the requirements of the SDA design standards and delivering a poor result. Another issue developers and investors face is that the SDA Design Standard includes few prescriptive requirements and guidance for developing Robust SDA. What is a restrictive practice? The NDIS Act 2013....
The Stupidity of Hybrid Design SDA
You cannot certify Hybrid SDA with Robust and High Physical Support or Fully Accessible for the same dwelling What is a Hybrid SDA? A Hybrid SDA house design can be used for all of the four categories, including Robust (RO), Improved Liveability (IL), Fully Accessible (FA) and High Physical Support (HPS). These are then marketed to the gullible or those who have not undertaken sufficient due diligence, leading to sales to the developer. Along with the sale, false promises are usually made about participant demand and expected returns on many occasions. Since the inception of SDA, I have read articles....
Introducing the Turtle Tough TV enclosure—the perfect protection for your TV in Robust Specialist Disability Accommodation
When it comes to safety and style, you can’t beat our Turtle Tough TV enclosure. It’s durable, has a modern design and reduces the risk of injury for high-risk areas, including Robust Specialist Disability Accommodation. What is the Tough Turtle TV enclosure? Made from 3mm steel with an unbreakable 12mm polycarbonate screen, the Tough Turtle TV enclosure is built to last. It’s the perfect way to protect your TV, suitable for indoor and outdoor spaces. With built-in ventilation, gas struts for easy lifting, handy mounting brackets, anti-tamper screws and, all corners and edges are rounded so you can rest....
How much money will I earn investing in SDA Specialist Disability Accommodation?
What Financial Returns Should I Expect with SDA One of the most asked questions from people wanting to invest in SDA or Specialist Disability Accommodation is, 'How much money will I make? I have heard it is a lot". This is followed by, "I heard the payments are Government guaranteed," and then "Where should I build an SDA?" All three questions miss the point of providing SDA that is Desirable™️ to participants. Where Should I Build SDA This is one question we will not answer. It is not a case of building SDA; participants will queue up to move....
Why the SIL, STA, MTA or SDA Accommodation you’re Providing may be Operating Illegally
Have you confirmed before trading within your SIL, STA, SDA or MTA house that it has the correct building classification? Is it a Class 1a, Class 1b, Class 2 or Class 3? All approved dwellings will have an occupancy permit (OP), which will state the approved use of that dwelling in the form of a classification. If the building classification is Class 1a, It may not be fit for purpose. We have often been asked to manage SIL, STA or MTA properties with an OP for Class 1a, which we decline. It is not a simple case of renting a....
Understanding an organisations Liability and Risk providing Fire Safe SDA
Seminars for SDA Organisations and Individuals In this seminar, you will gain an understanding of the complexities in providing fire-safe Specialist Disability Accommodation. It will discuss an organisation's liabilities and offer solutions to improve survivability in an emergency. The session will be delivered by Bruce Bromley, a specialist who consults on delivering Specialist Disability Accommodation; he is a co-author of the SDA Design Standards and is an expert in emergency evacuation planning for people with disability. Organisations, please get in touch with us. Contact SDA Consulting Cost Groups: $2,700 +GST + travel & expenses (if applicable). Unlimited attendees. ....
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Recent Posts
- Creating Accessible and Inclusive Housing: Universal Design in SDA
- Understanding Luminance Contrast and Colour Contrast for SDA
- Disability Fire Safety Forum: Specialist Disability Accommodation
- Converting an Existing House to Specialist Disability Accommodation
- Why Robust SDA is Failing Participants, Carers and Investors