Specialist Disability Accommodation
is available to people who need to live in an accessible home with design features to facilitate increased independence and also require high levels of person-to-person assistance.

SDA Eligibility and Assessment

Participants eligible for SDA have very high support needs or extreme functional impairment. The NDIS assesses eligibility based on the severity of the person’s functional impairment and their specific support requirements. A quality SDA provider will focus on the accessible features of the house, ensuring it is designed to accommodate the complex needs of those with significant disabilities, but also maintain its integrity as a person’s home to be lived in and enjoyed. SDA eligibility is determined by the NDIS, and participants must meet specific criteria through a Housing Assessment to confirm their eligibility. It will often take approximately 8 months for a person, after applying to the NDIS to receive an SDA decision.

SDA Design Standard and Requirements

The SDA Design Standard outlines minimum design requirements and allows providers to respond to participant needs and preferences. SDA properties are purpose-built with accessible features to support individuals to live more independent lifestyles with quality face-to-face support in their homes.  Additional features in an SDA property may include Onsite Overnight Assistance, second living rooms and fire sprinklers throughout the house. 

SDA Design Categories include Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, High Physical Support and Robust. Typically an SDA dwelling will have wider doorways, and larger internal spaces, a range of assistive technology features, non-slip and flat floor surfaces SDA providers must meet specific design requirements to ensure their properties  are suitable for participants and are successfully enrolled as an SDA dwelling.

SDA Funding and Pricing Arrangements

SDA funding is specifically designed to cover the increased cost associated with building an accessible house, including the land it is on. The amount of SDA funding included in an NDIS plan depends on various factors, including the building type, location, number of occupants, and the SDA design category. SDA funding is paid directly to SDA providers from a participant’s NDIS plan. , Participants will also be asked to contribute with a reasonable rent contribution which will include 25% of their Disability Support Pension and 100% of their Commonwealth Rental Assistance as part of their Service and Tenancy Agreement. The participant will have other out-of-pocket expenses, including day-to-day living expenses such as utilities and groceries. SDA pricing arrangements are outlined in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements for Specialist Disability Accommodation.

Finding SDA Providers in Adelaide

SDA providers are organisations or entities that own, manage, or develop SDA properties and must be registered NDIS providers. Participants can search for SDA providers in Adelaide through the NDIA finder tool, relevant expo events and websites such as Housing Hub and GoNest. SDA providers often collaborate with SIL providers to ensure they are able to deliver sustainable and safe support within the home and ensure they are aligned with their values. They will also connect closely with the participant and their chosen support network to ensure they are being delivered the most appropriate housing solution and receive comprehensive support to transition smoothly into their new home.

Accessing SDA Accommodation in Adelaide

SDA Vacancy Management and Allocation

SDA providers manage the vacancies within their properties.  The NDIA has online systems for enrolling dwellings and notifying dwelling vacancies. Adenium Living are committed to supporting individuals to be able to live with like-minded or compatible individuals and recognises this is a very important part of the process. Adenium Living will work closely with the participants and the SIL provider to ensure they are a suitable and compatible match ensuring the participants have full choice and control over their home environment.  

SDA Support and Resources

An SDA Provider will be able to offer resources and support to the participants so they can navigate their local community and mainstream services including local medical services, public transport options, community centres and local government facilities..  Participants are free to choose their own provider for support with daily tasks, community access and personal care.   The NDIS offers resources and support for participants, including the SDA Finder and the NDIS website. Participants can also access support from disability advocacy groups and organisations.

Design Categories

There are four categories of SDA designed to best support the person living there to be as independent as possible – Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, High Physical Support and Robust.