What are the different categories of SDA or NDIS housing?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia has four different levels of housing support known as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). SDA is designed to cater to the specific needs of individuals with significant and permanent disabilities who require specialized housing. Some of these can be built using the same base floor plan, but in most cases, they use completely different ones, specifically designed for the level of disability. The rules around what these designs should include changes from time to time and some of these builds have to be modified to cater to changing regulations.
The four different levels of SDA are categorized based on the level of support and complexity required by the residents:
Improved Liveability (IL):
The Improved Liveability level of SDA includes housing designed to have improved accessibility and livability features for people with mobility challenges. These properties may have features like wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other modifications to enhance the living experience of residents with physical disabilities.
Fully Accessible (FA):
Fully Accessible SDA refers to housing that is designed to be entirely accessible for people with mobility impairments. These properties feature more comprehensive modifications, such as hoists, ceiling track systems, and other specialized equipment to support the needs of individuals with high-level physical disabilities.
Robust (RO):
The Robust level of SDA is intended for individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviors. These properties have enhanced design features and physical attributes to manage risks associated with behaviors that may cause damage to the property or pose safety concerns. They may include features like reinforced walls and durable materials.
High Physical Support (HPS):
High Physical Support SDA is for individuals with very high support needs due to severe physical disabilities or complex health conditions. These properties have specialized design features and equipment to support 24/7 care needs, including dedicated spaces for carers and medical equipment.
It's important to note that access to SDA funding is subject to assessment and approval by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Not all NDIS participants will qualify for SDA funding, and eligibility is determined based on the individual's disability-related needs and support requirements.
The SDA funding is paid to registered SDA providers who offer suitable accommodations that meet the specific SDA level requirements.