SDA Categories

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation or SDA?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is offered in four distinct categories: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, High Physical Support, and Robust. Each category is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with disability, ensuring they have access to suitable and supportive living environments. The NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard outlines the specific requirements that must be met for compliance and registration within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These standards ensure that SDA dwellings provide the necessary features and accommodations to support residents’ independence, safety, and quality of life.

The complete list of Building Types for which there are separate SDA prices is as follows:

Apartment, 1 bedroom, 1 resident
Apartment, 2 bedrooms, 1 resident
Apartment, 2 bedrooms, 2 residents
Apartment, 3 bedrooms, 2 residents
Villa/duplex/townhouse, 1 resident
Villa/duplex/townhouse, 2 residents
Villa/duplex/townhouse, 3 residents
House, 2 residents
House, 3 residents
Group Home, 4 residents
Group Home, 5 residents
Legacy Stock, 6+ residents.

What is Improved Liveability SDA?

Dwellings under the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) design category “Improved Liveability” are specifically constructed or modified to provide a reasonable level of physical access and enhanced features for individuals with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairments. These accommodations are designed to create a supportive and accessible environment that caters to the unique needs of residents, ensuring they can navigate their living spaces with greater ease and confidence. Key features may include luminance contrasts to aid those with visual impairments, improved wayfinding systems to assist with orientation, and clear lines of sight to enhance safety and comfort.

To comply with the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard for the ‘Improved Liveability’ category, these dwellings must meet specific criteria that ensure both accessibility and functionality. This includes the use of materials and design elements that enhance the living experience for individuals with various impairments. By adhering to these standards, Improved Liveability SDA housing provides a more inclusive and accommodating environment, enabling residents to live more independently and with a higher quality of life.

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What is Fully Accessible SDA?

Under the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) design categories, “Fully Accessible” housing is meticulously crafted to provide extensive physical access for individuals with significant functional impairments. These dwellings are designed to ensure that residents can navigate their living spaces with ease and independence.

Key features include wide doorways, spacious hallways, and accessible bathrooms and kitchens, all tailored to meet the needs of those with mobility challenges. The design also incorporates advanced assistive technologies, such as automated doors and environmental control systems, to further enhance residents’ autonomy and comfort.

To comply with the stringent requirements of the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard for the ‘Fully Accessible’ category, these dwellings must meet specific criteria that ensure both accessibility and functionality. By adhering to these standards, Fully Accessible SDA housing provides a supportive and empowering environment, enabling individuals with functional impairment or high support needs to live with dignity and independence.

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What is Robust SDA?

Under the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) design category requirements, “Robust” housing must feature extensive physical access provisions and adhere to the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard for the ‘Robust’ category. These dwellings are designed to be highly resilient, minimizing risks to participants and the community while reducing the need for reactive maintenance.

To achieve this, Robust dwellings utilize durable yet inconspicuous materials that can withstand heavy use and reduce the risk of injury and disturbance. Key features include secure windows, doors, and external areas, high-impact wall linings, and robust fittings and fixtures such as blinds and door handles. Additionally, soundproofing and laminated glass are incorporated to enhance safety and comfort. The design also provides adequate space and safeguards to support residents with complex behaviours, offering areas of retreat for other residents and staff to avoid harm.

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WHat is High Physical Support SDA?

Dwellings in the High Physical Support Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) design category are constructed to provide exceptional physical access for individuals with significant physical impairments who require extensive support. These accommodations feature wide doorways, spacious hallways, and open-plan living areas to facilitate easy movement for those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. They may also integrate advanced assistive technologies, such as automated doors and voice-activated systems, to enhance residents’ autonomy. Safety is a priority, with emergency call systems, reinforced walls for support rails to bathrooms, and adaptable spaces like adjustable-height kitchen counters and accessible bathrooms.

To comply with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard, these dwellings must meet the ‘High Physical Support Accessible’ category requirements. This ensures that the accommodations are not only accessible but also highly functional and safe for individuals with significant disability. By adhering to these standards, High Physical Support SDA dwellings offer a supportive and empowering living environment, enabling residents to live as independently and comfortably as possible despite their high support needs.

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