Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in Melbourne
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provides safe, accessible housing for people with significant physical or functional support needs. At Australian Instant Care, we help NDIS participants across Melbourne find and maintain homes that are purpose-built or modified to support their unique accessibility, care, and lifestyle preferences.
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. These homes include features that make daily living safer, more accessible, and more comfortable, including step-free layouts, wider doorways, assistive technology, ceiling hoists, and reinforced walls.
SDA housing supports participants who need specialised building design to live as independently as possible, either on their own or with other NDIS participants. While SDA funding pays for the home or building itself, the daily supports you receive inside the home, such as personal care or household assistance, are funded separately under Supported Independent Living (SIL) or other NDIS support categories.
SDA properties are developed and certified to meet NDIS design standards and fall under four categories:
Improved Liveability
Homes in this category are designed for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairments. They include features that improve visibility, wayfinding, and overall ease of orientation within the home.
Fully Accessible
These dwellings suit people with significant physical impairments. They include features such as step-free access, wide doorways, accessible bathrooms, and fixtures that are easy to reach and operate.
Robust
Robust homes are built for people who need a stronger, more resilient environment that reduces the risk of damage and injury. They use durable materials, secure fixtures, and layouts that promote safety and privacy.
High Physical Support.
This category is for people with very high physical support needs. These homes include advanced accessibility features like ceiling hoists, backup power for assistive technology, and extra structural provisions for mobility equipment.
Who is Eligible for SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is available to NDIS participants who have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs that make it difficult to live safely or independently in standard housing. Eligibility is based on the extent of your functional impairment and the level of physical support you require to complete everyday activities.
The NDIS assesses eligibility by reviewing your:
- Functional capacity, including mobility, self-care, and daily living skills
- Support needs, such as the type and frequency of assistance required at home
- Current living situation, and whether it meets your safety and accessibility needs
- Long-term housing goals, including independence, security, and stability
Only a small number of participants qualify for SDA, as it’s designed for those with the highest physical or functional support needs. Your eligibility is determined during your NDIS planning process, and evidence from healthcare professionals is often required to support your application.
How We Can Help
Creating safe, accessible homes that empower independence.
SDA is designed for people whose disability makes it difficult to live safely in a standard home. These properties are built to meet specific design standards, such as wider doorways, step-free access, assistive technology, or ceiling hoists, depending on each person’s specific mobility and care requirements.
We understand that finding the right home is about more than accessibility. It’s also about comfort, safety, and a sense of belonging. Our team can help you explore SDA options in Melbourne that give you the space, stability, and confidence to live life your way.
Here’s how we can assist:
SDA Application and Planning Support
Guidance through the SDA application and approval process as part of your NDIS plan.
Property Matching and Placement
Assistance finding suitable SDA properties that meet your accessibility, location, and lifestyle preferences.
Transition and Move-in Support
Help managing the transition to your new home, including coordination with support providers and families.
Collaboration with SIL Providers
Coordination with Supported Independent Living services to ensure your daily support needs are fully met.
Ongoing Housing Assistance
Continued support to help maintain your accommodation and address any changes in your needs or plan.
Every SDA arrangement is unique. We make sure your housing reflects your individual requirements while promoting independence and supporting your wellbeing, both now and into the future.
Specialist Disability Accommodation Melbourne FAQs
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is NDIS-funded housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA funding covers the housing itself, while daily support services are funded separately under programs such as Supported Independent Living (SIL).
Who is eligible for SDA?
SDA is for NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs who can’t live safely or independently in standard housing. Eligibility is determined by the NDIS through your planning process, based on your functional capacity, level of daily support required, and long-term housing goals. Only a small number of participants qualify, as SDA is designed for those with the highest physical or functional needs.
What does SDA funding cover?
SDA funding covers the housing itself, such as building design, modifications, and accessibility features, but not daily living costs or support services. Supports like personal care or household assistance are covered separately under SIL or Core Supports.
How is SDA different from SIL?
SDA funds the home or building, while SIL funds the support services you receive inside the home. Many participants receive both types of funding to cover both their housing and their daily supports.
What kinds of SDA housing options are available?
SDA homes can range from fully accessible apartments and shared homes to high physical support properties. The NDIS recognises four main SDA design categories: Improved Liveability, Robust, Fully Accessible, and High Physical Support.
Do you provide SDA across all of Melbourne?
Yes. We support participants across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs, helping them connect with quality SDA housing that meets NDIS standards and personal needs.
Can I choose where and who I live with?
Yes. Choice and control are central to the NDIS. You’ll have the opportunity to choose your preferred location, property type, and living arrangement.
What support do you provide during the move-in process?
We assist with property viewings, paperwork, coordination with housing providers, and any necessary adjustments to ensure your transition is comfortable and stress-free.
Can SDA be combined with SIL or other supports?
Yes. SDA and SIL are often used together. SDA covers your housing, while SIL provides ongoing daily support within that home.
How do I get started with SDA in Melbourne?
Contact our friendly Melbourne team to discuss your eligibility, NDIS plan, and housing preferences. We can also assist with referrals and applications for SDA funding.
Find a Home That Supports Your Independence
Your home should empower you to live comfortably, safely, and with confidence. At Australian Instant Care, we help people with disabilities across Melbourne gain access to Specialist Disability Accommodation suited to their needs and lifestyle.
