Specialist disability accommodation (SDA)

SIL and SDA are two different types of support provided under the NDIS:

Supported Independent Living (SIL) cover support with personal care and assistance, not housing:

• Supports that build people's capacity to live independently in the community, improve living skills, money and household management, social and communication skills and behavioural management.
  

• It does not cover the housing costs. These costs are either covered privately, through appropriate housing-related funding options or other forms of funding, such as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding.
  

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) covers the physical housing and accessibility features, not daily support costs:

• Participants live in a private home or apartment funded by their NDIS plan.
• Funding covers specialized housing for extreme functional impairment or high support needs.
• SDA properties are purpose-built or modified to provide a high level of accessibility and support.
• SDA funding does not include the cost of daily living support or personal care. 

The different types of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are designed to cater to individuals’ specific needs. It includes:

• Apartments: Fully self-contained units that are fully accessible and equipped with necessary support features.
• Duplexes, villas, or townhouse: residents have their own semi-attached or stand-alone property within a villa or townhouse complex.
• Group home: designed for shared living, where 4 to 5 residents receive support and assistance from on-site staff or support workers.
• House in a specialized facility: purpose-built to cater to the needs of 3 residents with specific disabilities, such as sensory impairment or complex care requirements.
  

The type of SDA dwelling offered may vary based on the region, the provider, and the specific needs of the individual.

The Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standard is a set of guidelines and requirements developed under the NDIS. It sets out the specific design and accessibility standards that SDA properties must meet to be eligible for SDA funding. It ensures that the built environment meets the specific needs of individuals with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.

The design categories are:

1. Improved Liveability: Basic accessibility features for people with mobility challenges.
2. Fully Accessible: High-level accessibility features for people with significant physical disabilities.
3. Robust: Housing designed to withstand more significant wear and tear for people with challenging behaviour or sensory impairments.
4. High Physical Support: Specialist features for individuals with very high support needs, including significant physical and functional impairment.
   

The standard covers a wide range of design aspects, including:

• Building layout and floor plans to accommodate assistive technology and equipment.
• Accessible entrances, doorways, and corridors to facilitate independent movement.
• Adaptations for sensory impairments, including vision and hearing loss.
• Bathroom and kitchen design for ease of use and accessibility.
• Consideration of outdoor spaces and environmental sustainability.
  

Wesley Mission Queensland’s SDAs meet the Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard category of High Physical Support or Fully Accessible.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a term used under the NDIS Support Budgets. It refers to housing that are purpose-built or modified, designed to accommodate individuals with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. The primary goal of SDA housing is to provide appropriate accommodation options that promote independence, safety, and well-being for people with significant disabilities, ensuring they have access to housing that meets their specific support needs.

Yes. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for disability-related housing support, including home modifications, assistive technology, and home and community-based support services. The government also provides funding through the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) initiative. Additionally, some state and territory governments offer financial assistance for disability housing through their own programs and initiatives. Please visit our Disability payment options page for more information. 

In home care and supports offer assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as medication management and transportation to medical appointments. At WMQ, we also offer recreational and social activities, as well as tailored support for individuals with specific disabilities. Visit our vacancies page to search our Specialist Disability Accommodations (SDA) in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast.

Supported accommodation usually refers to specialised accommodation for people with disabilities who require assistance with daily living. It can also refer to services provided at home or within the community to help them live independently. Housing and services are usually funded by the NDIS, QCSS or privately.

• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): specialized housing for individuals with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
• Daily routines and activities: services to assist with daily living activities, social and community participation, transport, and more.
• Supported Independent Living (SIL): SIL is a type of NDIS support for individuals with significant disabilities. SIL typically involves individuals with disabilities living -requiring 24/7 support with daily living, social engagement and community participation.
  

Explore Wesley Mission Queensland’s specialist disability housing.

When considering living in one of our Specialist Disability Accommodations (SDA) in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, you can expect the following:

• High-quality purpose-built housing: all our homes meet the Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standards, most of them under the category of High Physical Support.
• 24/7 skilled care: our support workers have a minimum Certificate III qualification and are supervised by experienced health professionals including enrolled and registered nurses.
• Support tailored to the specific needs and goals and strengths of each resident.
• Personal care services, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management, based on individual care plans.
• Healthcare services: some of our SDAs have on-site or nearby healthcare services, such as allied health centre and nursing support.
• Social inclusion: we encourage social inclusion and community engagement via organised activities and events, among residents and with the broader community.
• Life skills training: Our SDAs provide life skills training to help residents develop and maintain independent living skills.