Specialist Disability Accommodation
SDA Housing: Specialist Homes Built for Independence
Accessible housing in Australia designed for NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
What it is
What is SDA housing?
SDA housing is Specialist Disability Accommodation: a range of homes designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high disability-related support needs. It is designed to be more accessible for you, so you can live more independently and your other supports can be delivered better or more safely. For example, you might need a home with reinforced ceilings so a ceiling hoist can be installed.
SDA funding covers the home itself. It doesn’t include the supports you receive while living there, such as personal care or supported independent living, which are separate NDIS supports. You also pay rent and day-to-day living costs, such as bills.
SDA housing is offered by registered SDA providers, and each home must be enrolled with the NDIA as an SDA dwelling.
Apartments to group homes
The four SDA building types
If you’re new to SDA, your NDIS plan sets one of these building types.
Apartments
Self-contained units that are part of a larger residential building.
Villas, duplexes and townhouses
Separate but semi-attached homes within a single land title or strata titled area, including stand-alone villas and granny flats.
Houses
Detached low-rise homes with garden or courtyard areas.
Group homes
Houses with 4 or 5 residents.
Matched to your needs
SDA design categories
If you’re new to SDA, the NDIA can fund four design categories. Each one is a set of features you need in your home, based on your disability support needs.
Improved liveability
Better physical access, with more features for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairments, such as walls and floors that are easy to see and very few stairs.
Empowered liveabilityFully accessible
A high level of physical access for people who have lots of physical challenges, for example if you use a manual or powered wheelchair at home or can’t use steps.
Robust
Very strong and durable housing that reduces the need for repairs and is built to keep you and others safe.
Robust SDAHigh physical support
A high level of physical access for people who need very high levels of support, such as a ceiling hoist, backup power supply, or home automation and communication technology.
High physical support SDAGetting SDA
How to apply for SDA housing
SDA is decided by the NDIA as part of your NDIS plan. If it is approved, your plan sets your building type, design category and location, so the home you move into matches the funding you receive.
To confirm you qualify, the NDIA looks at whether you have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, and whether SDA together with your other supports will lead to better outcomes. Once SDA is in your plan, you can look for SDA accommodation that matches it.
Built with you, for you
SDA housing with SDA B.O.O.T.S
SDA B.O.O.T.S is a participant-led SDA initiative focused on co-design, long-term stability and meaningful housing outcomes for people with SDA funding under the NDIS. You shape your own home, from location and layout to the final finish.
Our SDA projects include a custom-designed Robust SDA home in Western Sydney.
You inspire. We empower.
Let us help guide you home
If you have SDA funding for a new home, let us build and design one with you, for you.
Awards & Recognition
