What is SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. These homes are purpose-built to enhance safety, accessibility, and independence.
Features may include wide doorways, reinforced ceilings for ceiling hoists, accessible bathrooms, assistive technology, emergency power backup, soundproofing, and additional rooms for onsite overnight assistance (OOA).
The NDIS carefully assesses if SDA is the right fit, focusing on how it supports your personal goals, promotes independence, and encourages greater community participation.
Anna's transition to SDA housing
SDA Design Categories
There are different SDA design categories to suit individual support needs:
-
Fully Accessible: Homes with features that cater to physical impairments, including step-free entry, wide circulation spaces, and accessible bathrooms and kitchens.
-
High Physical Support: Homes with advanced accessibility features such as structural provisions for ceiling hoists, assistive tech, emergency power systems, and full wheelchair access throughout.
-
Robust: Designed with durable finishes, secure spaces, and soundproofing to support individuals who may display complex behaviours or require a lower-stimulation environment.
The NDIS carefully considers whether SDA is the right fit for you, focusing on how it can support your goals, increase your independence, and help you engage more fully with your community.
Your Guide To SDA Housing
1
Check Your Eligibility & Apply to the NDIS
To access SDA, you must first be eligible for the NDIS. This means:
-
You have a permanent and significant disability
-
You're aged between 7 and 65
-
You're an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category visa
Start Here:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply
You’ll need to complete an Access Request Form and submit supporting documentation, such as medical and functional reports.
2
Attend Your NDIS Planning Meeting
Once your access is approved, you’ll attend a planning meeting with an NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to create your plan. You’ll discuss:
-
Your goals and current living situation
-
Any supports you need, including possible SDA
Creating Your NDIS Plan:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan
3
Functional Assessment & SDA Evidence
If SDA is considered reasonable and necessary, you’ll likely be funded to complete a Housing Needs Assessment with an Occupational Therapist (OT). This report provides:
-
Details about your functional capacity
-
Recommended SDA design category
-
Evidence to support the inclusion of SDA in your plan
NDIS SDA Guidelines:
4
Secure Your SDA Home
Once SDA is included in your NDIS plan, you can start looking for a suitable home. We’ll help you:
-
Explore available or upcoming SDA homes with STIL Homes
-
Choose a home that matches your support needs
-
Navigate agreements and transition into your new home
NDIS Housing Options Finder
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/housing-options-finder
The Housing Hub
https://www.thehousinghub.org.au
Nest – SDA Housing Listings
https://gonest.com.au/
Are you an SDA-eligible resident in housing that no longer supports your needs?
Upgrade To Modern BRAND NEW SDA Home That Support Your Needs
If you're currently living in an older-style group home with 'existing stock' SDA funding, you may be eligible to upgrade to 'new build' SDA funding. This change gives you the opportunity to move into a contemporary, purpose-built home designed to better suit your lifestyle and support needs.
Transitioning into one of our thoughtfully designed SDA homes means gaining more independence, comfort, and personal choice. Key advantages include:
-
Purpose-built to meet current NDIA design standards
-
The option to live on your own or share with just 1–2 other residents
-
Greater privacy, including your own bedroom with a private ensuite
-
The freedom to welcome family and friends in your own space
-
Spacious outdoor areas ideal for relaxing or entertaining
-
Modern open-plan interiors with high-quality kitchen appliances
-
Prime locations close to shops, transport, and everyday services
1
Speak with Your Support Coordinator
Start by having an open conversation with your Support Coordinator about your interest in moving into a more modern SDA home.
Review your current NDIS plan, its expiry date, and what steps may be needed to begin the transition.
📌 Tip: If your plan review is more than 5 months away, you might need to submit a “change of circumstances” request to get started sooner.
2
Meet with Your NDIS Planner
Work with your Support Coordinator to arrange a meeting with your NDIS Planner to revise your plan.
During the meeting, request additional funding (at least 30 hours each) for Support Coordination and Occupational Therapy under your ‘Capacity Building’ supports to help manage the housing transition process.
3
Get a Functional Housing Assessment
A qualified Occupational Therapist (OT) with SDA experience will assess your individual needs and prepare a report outlining your housing requirements.
This comprehensive report is a vital part of your application — it provides the formal evidence needed for the NDIA to approve upgraded SDA funding.
📌 Choose an OT who has a deep understanding of SDA categories and compliance guidelines.
4
Submit the Application
Together with your Support Coordinator, carefully go through the completed Functional Assessment report to ensure all information is correct and supports your case clearly before submission.
Your Support Coordinator will handle the submission of the assessment report and all supporting documents to the NDIA for review.
Waiting for Approval
The NDIA’s Home and Living Panel may take several months (sometimes up to 12) to finalise a decision. During this time, start looking at available SDA properties and connect with housing providers so you're ready to move when funding is approved.
Your Guide In Transitioning from Group Home to New SDA Funding
Change of Circumstances explainer video NDIS
Are You Also an SDA Provider Needing a Builder?
We Can Help With That Too.
At STIL Homes, we believe collaboration is the key to raising the standard of Specialist Disability Accommodation in South Australia.
With our unique position as both a Commercial Builder and SDA provider, already delivering high-quality SDA homes, we understand the complexities of the process — giving you peace of mind knowing you’re working with a builder that truly knows the industry.
Together, we can create homes that genuinely change lives.
Let’s build a better future, together.