Understanding SDA – What It Is and How It Works
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    Understanding SDA – What It Is and How It Works

    04 December 2025

    Understanding SDA – What It Is and How It Works

    What is Specialist Disability Accommodation?

    Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing that’s designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It’s part of the NDIS, which helps people with disability live more independently and enjoy greater choice and control.

    SDA homes include features such as:

    • Accessible bathrooms and kitchens

    • Wider hallways and doorways

    • Assistive technology and smart home features

    • Reinforced walls and ceilings for safety and support equipment.

    SDA focuses on the building where you live, not the supports you receive.

    SDA vs Support Services – What’s the Difference?

    It’s easy to mix them up — here’s the difference:

    SDA (Housing)

    • The physical home you live in

    • Paid through your NDIS plan as SDA funding

    • Designed for safety, accessibility and independence

    Support Services (Care and Assistance)

    • The help you receive while living there

    • Funded separately under “Core Supports”, as Onsite Shared Support (OSS) or “Supported Independent Living (SIL)”

    • Helps you with daily tasks, personal care, and community activities

    So, SDA = the home, and supports = the help you get to live well in that home.

    Who is Eligible for SDA?

    Not everyone with a disability will need SDA. You may be eligible if:

    • You have very high or complex support needs, and

    • You need a specialist housing design to live safely and independently.

    To make sure you are eligible, the NDIS looks at:

    • Your functional capacity and daily support requirements

    • How SDA would improve your independence and quality of life

    • Assessments and reports with recommendations from your Allied Health team.

    The four SDA design categories

    • Improved Liveability – homes with features that make them easier to live in for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive disabilities.
    • Fully Accessible – designed for people with significant physical disability, with step-free access and features to support mobility aids.
    • High Physical Support – homes with a high level of physical accessibility, including structural reinforcement for ceiling hoists, backup power and capacity for smart home technology.
    • Robust – strong and resilient homes built to reduce the risk of injury or damage, designed for people with complex or challenging behaviours.

    Your OT can help decide which one is right for you.

    How to apply for NDIS funding

    • Talk to your Support Coordinator or NDIS planner.

    • Ensure there is a goal to move in your NDIS plan.

    • Gather evidence – this includes reports from your Occupational Therapist (OT) and other health professionals.

    • Once you have all the evidence, submit a change of situation review request for an SDA application. Your Support Coordinator will be able to assist you with this.

    • Once approved, your NDIS plan will include SDA funding linked to a specific design category and building type.

    What to Expect in an SDA Home

    Guardian Living SDA homes are designed to support independence, comfort and community involvement.
    You can expect:

    • Modern, purpose-built homes that meet NDIS SDA design standards

    • Private bedrooms and bathrooms for each resident

    • Shared living spaces designed for connection and inclusion

    • Onsite Overnight Assistance (OOA) where needed

    • A focus on choice and independence — you choose your supports and how you live your day.

    Ready to Explore Your Options?

    Guardian Living works with participants, families, Support Coordinators and OTs to help you:

    • Understand your SDA eligibility

    • Find the right housing design and location

    • Transition smoothly into your new home.

    Contact us: 1300 452 732

    Email: info@guardianliving.com.au

    Visit: guardianliving.com.au