What is Specialist Disability Accommodation?
SDA is housing that has been specially designed or modified to suit the needs of people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It is funded by the NDIS as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
NDIS Funded
SDA payments are made directly to housing providers by the NDIA, separate from your other NDIS supports.
Purpose Built
SDA homes are built or modified to meet specific accessibility standards and design categories.
Your Choice
Participants choose their SDA provider and home. It's about independence, choice, and control.
The Four SDA Design Categories
Each category addresses different disability support needs with specific design requirements.
Improved Liveability
- Improved physical access including wider doorways
- Better lighting and acoustic properties
- Features for sensory, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities
- Luminance contrasting for vision impairment
- Smart home technology for independent living
Fully Accessible
- Full wheelchair accessibility throughout
- Step-free access at all entry/exit points
- Accessible kitchen with adjustable benchtops
- Roll-in shower and accessible bathroom fixtures
- Wider corridors (minimum 1200mm)
Robust
- Reinforced walls and durable materials
- Impact-resistant fixtures and fittings
- Secure windows and door hardware
- Sound insulation between rooms
- Designed to reduce risk of harm to resident and others
High Physical Support
- Ceiling hoists in bedroom and bathroom
- Structural provision for assistive technology
- Emergency power supply for life-support equipment
- Communication technology (intercom, smart systems)
- Wider corridors (minimum 1500mm) for hoists
Am I Eligible for SDA?
SDA funding is available to NDIS participants who meet specific criteria. Not all NDIS participants are eligible for SDA — it is designed for those with the highest support needs.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an NDIS participant
- You have an extreme functional impairment, or very high support needs
- SDA would deliver a better outcome than other housing options
- SDA represents value for money compared to alternatives
- Your home and living assessment recommends SDA
How to Apply
- 1. Contact the NDIS (1800 800 110) or your Local Area Coordinator
- 2. Request a Home and Living assessment
- 3. Your assessor will determine if SDA is appropriate for your needs
- 4. If approved, SDA funding will be included in your NDIS plan
- 5. Choose an SDA provider and property that suits your needs