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Understanding Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): A Complete Guide

Finding a suitable solution for persons with disabilities is often harder to achieve. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is supposed to offer a secure, accessible and comfortable place for individuals with substantial functional impairment. Triniti Care is ready and willing to assist individuals with disabilities and their families in learning about SDA and how it could fit in with their quality of life.

In this blog post, we will discuss:

• What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
• Who is eligible for SDA?
• Types of housing available through SDA.
• How to apply for SDA funding.
• Benefits of SDA.
• How Triniti Care supports residents of SDA.

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodations (SDA) are bespoke housing arrangements for people with extreme physical impairments or high levels of support needs. SDA homes are built to very high accessibility standards, so the people living in them can do so comfortably and safely.

Participants with disabilities requiring specialist housing solutions can access the SDA through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). SDA has been designed to promote independence and improve well-being, as well as offer a place that can fulfill personal needs.

Who is Eligible for SDA?

Not every NDIS participant qualifies for SDA funding. Depending on the level of disability and support needs, an individual is determined to be eligible for assistance. SDA is available to individuals who meet the following criteria:

• People with extreme functional impairments or high support needs - This includes people with mobility difficulties, people with complex medical needs, or people with special housing needs.
• Be an NDIS participant - you can only get SDA funding as part of the NDIS.
• Meet the SDA criteria - a professional assessor will assess someone's needs to see if their needs require accessing SDA housing.

Types of SDA Housing

SDA housing has different design types that are based on the needs of the residents:

• Improved Liveability: Designed for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment (head trauma, Alzheimer’s, brain injury etc) with enhanced safety and accessibility features.
• Fully Accessible: Appropriate for people with significant physical impairment, featuring wheelchair accessibility, assistive technology, and specialist fixtures.
• Robust: Durable features and robust colours designed for people with complex behaviours, with secure designs to maintain safety.
• High Physical Support: Features include hoists, home automation, and support available 24/7.

Residents are provided with comfortable living environments in each.

How to Apply for SDA Funding

The process for applying for SDA funding involves the following steps:

• NDIS Eligibility: With an SDA funding line included in your NDIS plan, you should be an NDIS participant.
• Assessment: An occupational therapist or NDIS planner will assess your needs to determine whether SDA is necessary.
• Funding Approval: If eligible, the funding for SDA will be included in the NDIS plan.
• Finding an SDA Provider: Work with registered providers, such as Triniti Care, to select accommodation.

At Triniti Care, our team can assist you through the process and find the best housing solution for your needs.

Advantages of SDA

Choosing an SDA house offers numerous possibilities:

• More Freedom and Independence – Houses are custom-designed to make everyday activities easier.
• Safety and Governed Access – Features such as wheelchair ramps, smart home technology, and emergency call systems provide a safe environment.
• Personalised Support – Many SDA houses have welfare functions or visiting support staff who can assist with daily tasks.
  Community Inclusion – SDA houses often encourage socialization and community engagement.

How Triniti Care Supports SDA Residents 

Triniti Care is dedicated to delivering high-quality SDA arrangements on a client-by-client basis. Our team offers:

• Tailored housing solutions - We can guide you through the application process to find the SDA arrangement that meets your needs.  
• Supported service delivery - We employ support staff who are trained and background-checked to support daily living, personal care, and medical assistance.
• NDIS Processes - Our team can assist with the SDA application and NDIS funding process.
• Low-barrier housing - We have designed accessible SDA dwellings to be comfortable and support quality of life with an array of accessibility features.

Connect With Us Now!

Our team at  Triniti Care is looking forward to being your partner throughout this journey. If you think you or a family member could benefit from SDA, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Let us assist you in navigating the SDA options. Connect with us now.