Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a form of supported accommodation specifically designed to cater to those with high level care needs.

This supported accommodation is split into four types of design categories catering to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants: Improved Livability, Robust, Fully Accessible and High Physical Support.

The categories of these homes are based on what improvements and disability supports will need to be built into the home to shape it to the individual's needs. Let’s go through the differences between each category.

Improved Livability                                                                          

‘Improved Livability’ housing are homes built for people who primarily have intellectual, cognitive and sensory impairments. For example, someone with a visual impairment might need additions made to be able to navigate the space more easily, such as luminance contrasts and tactile pieces on the wall or within the door.

Robust

'Robust’ housing is built to be resilient, designed to withstand behaviors of its occupant that could place either them or the people who support them at risk and keep them safe. They are also built to reduce the likelihood of reactive maintenance.

Some of the building standards for this form of supported living accommodation include secure windows, doors and external areas, high impact wall lining, fittings and fixtures such as blinds and door handles, soundproofing, and laminated glass. This is to provide areas of sanctuary for other residents and staff.

Fully Accessible

‘Fully Accessible’ housing assimilates a high level of physical support for people with a significant functional impairment. This assistance includes features such as allowing wheelchair movement throughout the entire residence, and facilitating access to kitchen and laundry countertops, as well as all household appliances, from both a seated or standing stance.

High Physical Support Category

‘High Physical Support’ housing includes all the same additions as the Fully Accessible category, with a few additions. This includes structural provisions for ceiling hoists and clear opening width doors to all rooms. Additional disability services include high-tech assistive technology allowing the occupant to control the home's temperature, lights, doors and appliances (such as the TV) using voice commands or a tablet/phone app. Emergency power solutions are ensured to allow for a minimum two-hour power outage.