High Physical Support
Dwellings in the High Physical Support SDA design category include features that provide enhanced physical access provisions for people with significant physical impairment who have very high support needs.
Significant Physical Impairment
A person with significant physical impairment experiences an extreme or complete loss of the ability to perform one or more self-care or self-management functions. This can include mobility, eating, toileting or managing their behaviour. People with significant physical impairment can also only perform the activity in a limited capacity, even with home modifications and when using assistive technology.
Very High Support Needs
People with very high support needs may be participants who have previously lived in SDA or similar accommodation for an extended length of time and now need additional support to transition to alternative living arrangements and services. They may also require access to constant or immediately available support services for a large part of the day.
Requirements
To be classified as an SDA High Physical Support home the dwelling must:
- Be built to a minimum standard of Livable Housing Australia ‘Platinum’ Level
- Include external doors and private outdoor areas that are wheelchair accessible
- Ensure bathroom fixtures (including vanity and basin) can be accessed when sitting and standing
- Install power supply near doors, windows and blinds for retrofit of automation if necessary
- Where appropriate, ensure the kitchen sink, bench, cooktop and other key appliances including the oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer are accessible from a seated or standing position
- Include structural provisions for ceiling hoists
- Provide a minimum 950mm clear opening width doors to all habitable rooms
- Be ready to support assistive technology
- Have heating, cooling and household communications technology as necessary and appropriate for participant’s needs
- If the welfare of residents is at risk, include emergency power solutions to cater for a minimum two-hour power outage.
Funding for High Physical Support SDA is available on new builds and existing stock. For compliance, all SDA dwellings must be designed and maintained to a standard that is consistent with the surrounding properties and neighbourhood, must recognise the importance of outdoor areas and must be built on land that is an adequate size for the number of residents.
High Physical Support Checklist
Download the Free SDA Consulting Checklists
To ensure each and every home exceeds the Minimum Design Requirements and meets the intent of Specialist Disability Accommodation under the NDIS, we have developed our own assessment checklists to assist with the design process. We want to ensure all homes are designed to meet the individual needs of residents and promote an inclusive and supportive environment which enables participation and opportunity. Follow the link to our High Physical Support Design Checklist.
