OUR BLOG
What is Specialist Disability
Accommodation (SDA) and how
does it work?
Our Introductory Guide by Charvin & Slaven Property Group
Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
Charvin & Slaven Property Group is registered with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as a Specialist Disability Accommodation Provider for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), we build and manage housing options that have been crafted with the intension of improving the lives of participants by assisting them to live in their own home that meets their individual needs and is situated in communities that facilitate social connections and a sense of belonging.
In this guide, we break down what SDA is, how it differs from other services like Supported Independent Living (SIL), who it’s for, and how the system works. Whether you’re just starting your NDIS journey or exploring housing options forsomeone you care for, we’re here to help.
What is SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to purpose-built housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It’s notabout the support services themselves — it’s about the physical home that’s tailored to meet specific access and safety requirements.
Funded through the NDIS, SDA aims to provide participantswith greater independence and focuses on access to supports that are right for them. Our homes are built to high standards, with emphasis on providing a home environment that maximises the capacity of the individual to live as independently as possible incorporating personal support features within contemporary housing practice.
SDA is different from mainstream housing. It’s not about simply having a roof over your head; it’s about living in a home that enhances your quality of life and makes everyday living safer, easier, and more empowering.
Who is SDA for?
SDA is not for everyone on the NDIS. To be eligible, participants must demonstrate either:
Extreme functional impairment, or
Very high support needs.
This typically includes individuals who require significant physical support, need long term housing solutions, or have complex behavioural needs that can’t be met in conventional housing. Eligibility is assessed through functional assessments and professional reports. We work closely with Support Coordinators, Occupational Therapists, and families to ensure the application aligns with the participant’s long-term goals.
SDA vs. SIL: What’s the Difference?
This is a common point of confusion. SDA and Supported Independent Living (SIL) are separate components under the NDIS:
SDA: The bricks and mortar — the specially designed home.
SIL: The supports — the people and services that help with daily living (e.g. personal care, cooking, shopping).
You can have SDA funding without SIL, and vice versa — though they often work together. At Charvin & SlavenProperty Group, we help families understand SDA, and what category is right for their unique circumstances.
the 4 sda
design categories
SDA homes are built to specific design standards, grouped into four categories under the NDIS:
Housing that has been designed to improve ‘Liveability’ by incorporating a reasonable level of physical access and enhanced provision for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment.
Housing that has been designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provision for people with significant physical impairment.
Housing that has been designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provision for people with significant physical impairment and requiring very high levels of support. Housing that has been designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provision for people with significant physical impairment and requiring very high levels of support.
Housing that has been designed to incorporate a reasonable level of physical access provision and be very resilient, reducing the likelihood of reactive maintenance and reducing the risk to the participant and the community. Each category has its own standards, and each participant’s NDIS plan will outline what category (if any) they are approved for.
SDA IN WOLLONGONG
The Illawarra region and surrounds have seen steady growth in SDA development in recent years, with more options becoming available across different suburbs — from the coastal corridor to suburban hubs.
However, accessing the right SDA option can still be tricky. That’s where Charvin & Slaven Property Group comes in. As a registered SDA provider based in Wollongong, we provide personalised support to NDIS participants and their families to understand SDA eligibility and navigate the application process.
FINAL THOUGHTS
SDA is a powerful part of the NDIS — but it’s also complex. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or you’re midway through your plan review, it helps to have local experts by your side.
At Charvin & Slaven Property Group, we take the time to understand each individual’s goals and support needs. We believe everyone deserves to live in a space that’s not only safe but also enhances independence and dignity.
Have questions about SDA?
Get in touch with our team for a no-obligation chat. We’re here to help participants and families understand SDA — with confidence and clarity.