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There will be fatalities! It’s not if, but when!
There will be fatalities! It’s not if, but when! was the subheading of a blog post I wrote on 26 October 2017, in which I raised my early concerns about the lack of fire sprinklers and the failure to apply a Class 3 classification under the Building Code of Australia for Specialist Disability Accommodation. View Blog Post. We have now seen with the death of a gentleman named David in a fire at a disability support home in Spring Farm, Sydney, on Saturday, 3 January 2026, that my concerns were well-founded. Blog Post on Spring Farm Fire David’s death....
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....
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....
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....
Town Planning Concession for SDA Developments Victoria
Last week, multiple sources shared with us, changes to the Victorian town planning legislation relating to Special Disability Accommodation and how they are assessed under the planning provisions as Community Care Accommodation. The following outlines the changes. COMMUNITY CARE ACCOMMODATION Purpose To facilitate the establishment of community care accommodation. To support the confidentiality of community care accommodation Application This clause applies to the use and development of land for community care accommodation Use exemption Any requirement in the Activity Centre Zone, Capital City Zone, Commercial 1 Zone, General Residential Zone, Low Density Residential Zone, Mixed Use Zone, Neighbourhood Residential....
Can you have multiple categories of SDA on different stories within the same house or villa without a passenger lift?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) was implemented by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to assist with housing for people with a disability. SDA is split into four design categories that cater to participants under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and includes Improved Liveability (IL), Robust (RO), Fully Accessible (FA) and High Physical Support (HPS). As SDA Accredited Assessors, we come across many floorplans daily with multiple design categories of SDA in one dwelling. Such as, a bedroom or two for a Fully Accessible/ High Physical Support or a Robust category is proposed on the Ground Floor with an Improved....
Assistive technology ready & home automation for Specialist Disability Accommodation
Independent Living Made Easy Assisted living and Smart Home Automation technology is enabling people with disabilities to live fuller and more rewarding independent lives. New home automation technology maximises the ability of those with disabilities to live independently by enabling control of their home through smart devices and voice control. The technology is seamless in its simplicity of use and is designed for use by people with disabilities in mind. There are endless scenarios where smart home technology can help everyday living... Building Specialist Disability Accommodation that is Assistive technology ready with home automation allows users to live with a....
SDAs Must Have Sprinklers
. The Kew Cottages Fire Demonstrates why SDA & SIL housing requires Fire Sprinklers Spanish philosopher George Santayana stated, “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” It appears with the rollout of specialist disability accommodation we have learnt nothing from the past in how to keep people with disability safe. Are we building fire traps for SDA Participants? The History of the Kew Cottages Tragedy? View the Kew Cottages history in brief In April 1996 nine men were killed in a fire that swiftly and violently engulfed their unit at Kew Cottages,....
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Recent Posts
- There will be fatalities! It’s not if, but when!
- 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