Specialist Disability Accommodation – SDA

NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation is housing that enables people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs to live comfortably and receive their daily supports. It can include shared supported accommodation, community residential units, or self-contained homes that are fitted with specialist housing solutions.

We currently have two fully accessible homes under construction on track for completion in August 2025. Each home has the capacity to accommodate two participants with each participant in an ensuite living arrangement.   

It’s important to note that SDA housing is different from Supported Independent Living (SIL), which refers to the support services you receive to help you live independently.

What is living in Specialist Disability Accommodation like?
Unlike a regular house or apartment, an SDA house has special features that provide the complex supports residents living with disability may need. This helps ensure that people have choice and dignity in their living situation, no matter what their circumstance or physical limitations.

Ambacare specialist disability accommodation homes are located close to shops, amenities and public transport, so you can easily get out into the community. We also believe they should be real homes that you feel comfortable in, customisable to an individual’s tastes and personality.

What are the different levels of NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation
The NDIS provides funding for 5 different types of SDA, depending on a person’s individual disability and support needs. These categories are: Basic, Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust and High Physical Support. If you have been approved for SDA payments, your NDIS plan will say which category you are eligible for.

Basic SDA
This type of funding provides basic housing that allows specialist support services to be delivered. It is generally given to people who want to remain in their current group home, and doesn’t include special design features such as ceiling hoists and wheelchair access.

Improved Liveability Housing SDA
This SDA type is for people with a sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment. It includes specialist design features such as increased luminance contrast to help people with vision impairment; improved wayfinding to help people navigate their physical space; light-based doorbells and fire alarms; improved lines of sight; and reduced lighting levels and other stimuli. Homes in this category meet the Liveable Housing Australia ‘Silver’ Standard.

Fully Accessible Housing SDA
People who have significant physical impairment – for example, wheelchair users – may be eligible for Fully Accessible SDA Housing. Features include no steps at external outdoor areas and doors; wide wheelchair-accessible entryways; appliances and sinks that can be reached from a standing or sitting position; and power supply to door and windows so automation can be retrofitted if needed. Homes in this category meet the Liveable Housing Australia   ‘Platinum’ Standard.

Robust Housing SDA
Robust specialist disability housing is for people who have complex behaviours and may sometimes be a risk to themselves or others. These homes have adequate space to support the needs of people with complex behaviours; areas of retreat for other residents, carers and staff; impact-resistant materials to protect participants and reduce the need for maintenance and repairs; sound proofing; and laminated glass. These homes meet the Liveable Housing Australia Silver Standard.

High Physical Support SDA
High Physical Support homes meet the needs of people with significant physical impairment, or who need a high level of personal support. Along with Fully Accessible Housing specialist design features, they features structural provision for ceiling hoists; assistive technology; emergency power solutions to protect the welfare of residents; and household communication technology. Homes in this category meet the Liveable Housing Australia Silver Standard.

Who is eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation?
Not every person living with a disability needs Specialist Disability Accommodation. The NDIS approves SDA funding for only a small proportion of participants with extreme functional impairment, or who have a very high need for constant and immediately available supports. In addition to considering a person’s goals and preferences, NDIS assessments may include activities of daily living, functional capacity assessments, and/or a behaviour assessment.
If you are approved, your funding is used to cover the cost of the housing; it can’t be used for any other purpose. If you are not eligible for SDA funding, you may be able to receive NDIS payments for home modifications so you can live comfortably in a mainstream home.

Would like to talk to someone face-to-face about NDIS disability accommodation and how funding works? The Home Caring team are happy to have a chat. We have helped many of our clients find and apply for the right NDIS accommodation funding for their needs, and we are happy to support you through the process. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch!