What is SDA?

SDA = Specialist Disability Accommodation


The physical home that has disability supports integrated into the building of the home.


SDA homes are designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high needs.


SDA usually involves a shared home with a small number of other people. You might also be able to live in SDA by yourself if that option best meets your needs and circumstances.

 

An SDA home:

  • Doesn’t need any home modifications
  • Opportunity for people with high care needs to access permanent, high quality housing in the community
  • Maximises independence through special features

Stringent design guidelines exist for compliance at each level. Without meeting the compliance requirements, you cannot enrol a property with NDIS.


SDA doesn’t include the services or support you might get in that home. For example, it doesn’t include the cost of a person who helps with personal care. This kind of support comes under personal care supports or other supports in your home.

SDA-SH-facade
SDA-SH-living

Large living areas with space for easy circulation

SDA-SH-OOA

Carer Room - Overnight Onsite Assistance

Levels of accommodation include:

High Physical Support


High level of physical access provision for people with significant physical impairment and requiring very high levels of support:


  • External doors and external outdoor private areas to be accessible by wheelchair
  • Bathroom vanity/hand basin to be accessible in seated or standing position
  • Power supply to doors and windows (blinds)
  • Consideration given to whether kitchen sink, cooktop, and key appliances are accessible in seated or standing position
  • Structural provision for ceiling hoists
  • Assistive technology ready
  • Heating/cooling and household communication technology
  • Emergency power solutions to cater for a minimum two hour outage where the welfare of participants is at risk
  • 950mm minimum clear opening width doors to all habitable rooms
iSaint Automation

iSaint Assistive Technology

SDA-SH-bathroom

Wheelchair Accessible Bathrooms

Fully Accessible


Housing that has been designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provision for people with significant physical impairment:


  • External doors and external outdoor private areas to be accessible by wheelchair
  • Bathroom vanity/hand basin to be accessible in seated or standing position
  • Power supply to doors and windows (blinds), for retrofit of automation as necessary
  • Consideration for the kitchen sink, cooktop, meal preparation bench area and key appliances to be accessible in seated or standing position
Fully Accessible Kitchen

Bench spaces accessible from standing or seated positions

Robust


Designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provision and resilient but inconspicuous materials that can withstand heavy use and minimises the risk of injury and neighbourhood disturbance. Includes:


  • high impact wall lining, fittings and fixtures, secure windows doors and external areas
  • appropriate sound proofing if residents are likely to cause significant noise disturbances
  • laminated glass
  • Layout with areas of egress and retreat for staff and other residents to avoid harm if required
  • Consideration to providing adequate space and safeguards throughout the property to accommodate the needs of residents with complex behaviours
Safety Glass

Safety Glass

Improved Liveability


Requires a ‘reasonable’ level of physical access and enhanced provision for participants with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment. Improved liveability design features include:


  • lighting, increased luminance contrast
  • improved wayfinding & lines of sight
  • light-based doorbells and fire alarms
  • hearing loops and hearing augmentation
  • Labelling & use of contextual cues
  • consistency in locations of fittings and fixtures
  • reduced lighting levels and other stimuli
SDA-Cat-Improved-livability

Improved Wayfinding