Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to specially designed houses or apartments tailored for individuals requiring significant physical support or those with behavioural and safety needs. Funded by the Australian government and administered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme, SDA housing in Adelaide offers unique features that benefit residents by fostering maximum independence and enhancing their quality of life.
Depending on the resident’s needs, an SDA property might incorporate spacious doorways and hallways to facilitate mobility, overhead hoists installed in bedrooms or bathrooms for transfer assistance, reinforced walls and windows engineered to withstand potential damage, or the newest smart home technology. Certain SDA housing in Adelaide offers around-the-clock on-call support services, ensuring prompt assistance is always available should a wheelchair battery deplete unexpectedly, or any other urgent situation arise that calls for immediate aid.
SDA housing in Adelaide is an ideal solution for those grappling with high support needs or disabilities that render independent living in conventional housing profoundly challenging. Individuals who aim to secure appropriate SDA housing face substantial daily support requirements that the informal support network of family members or friends cannot adequately fulfil. SDA housing in Adelaide could be the appropriate avenue to explore for persons who have already endured an extended tenure in a group home or care facility.
For individuals who have difficulties living independently in a common housing environment, home modifications to an existing property, assistive technology, or Supported Independent Living (SIL) services might be an eligible option if they do not wish to change their living situation. However, even with structural modifications and assistive technologies in place, some benefit from the high level of SDA support trained staff provide to perform daily activities such as getting in and out of bed, dressing, ambulating, and preparing meals. Furthermore, SDA group homes allow individuals to access a community of others who share similar disabilities, promoting a feeling of inclusivity that can be particularly helpful for those with only a few ties beyond their former residence.
Applying for SDA housing typically begins with engaging a registered NDIS provider and an occupational therapist, who thoroughly assesses the individual’s needs and life situation, taking into account factors such as physical accessibility requirements, behavioural support needs, and safety considerations. The relevant documentation is then meticulously compiled and submitted to the NDIS for funding approval. Upon receiving approval, the next crucial step involves determining the specific type of accommodation the participant has been approved for (e.g., apartment, house, group home) and the corresponding category, which can be listed as Improved Liveability (requiring a ‘reasonable’ level of physical access), Fully Accessible (necessitating good wheelchair accessibility), High Physical Support (demanding a very high level of specialised design and physical access), or Robust.
The approved category and type of SDA housing in Adelaide will correspond to an annual funding amount allocated by the NDIS. However, it is important to note that residents are still responsible for paying rent and utilities separately, in addition to the NDIS funding provided to the SDA provider.
While there has been a notable increase in the availability of SDA housing in Adelaide, it is crucial to acknowledge that obtaining SDA approval can often be a lengthy process, typically spanning a minimum of six to twelve months from the initial assessment to securing an approved property.
If you are looking into SDA housing in Adelaide to benefit from living autonomously and having the opportunity to engage with others who share similar needs, find yourself a trusted NDIS provider who identifies your needs and supports your housing goals beyond the day you move into your new residence.
Rockies Ripple is the founder and lead writer behind the independent blog tvplutos.com