Specialised Disability Accommodation – A Home Built for You
We help participants access purpose-built housing designed to meet high support needs or specialised design requirements — so you can live safely, comfortably and independently.
Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a category of NDIS funding that pays for the cost of purpose-built or significantly modified housing for participants who have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA funding covers the housing itself — it is separate from the supports provided inside the home, such as personal care or daily living assistance.
What Is Specialised Disability Accommodation?
SDA refers to housing that has been specifically designed and built to support people with significant disability. These properties include features such as reinforced walls, ceiling hoists, motorised doors, wider corridors, accessible bathrooms and advanced assistive technology — all designed to make daily living safer, more dignified and more independent.
At Ace of Care, we assist participants in navigating the SDA process from start to finish — helping you understand your eligibility, explore available properties and connect with the right housing to suit your individual needs and goals.
We assist participants in accessing purpose-built housing designed for those who require a high level of support or specialised design features to live safely and comfortably.
Finding the right SDA property can be complex and overwhelming. Our team has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the eligibility requirements, NDIS processes, and housing options — so you can focus on what matters most: finding a home that truly works for you.
SDA Design Categories
Under the NDIS, SDA properties are classified into four design categories. Each is designed to meet different levels of support need and functional impairment:
Housing with improved physical access and features that enhance liveability for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment. Includes better lighting, clear sightlines, and reduced complex layouts.
Designed for people with significant physical impairment who use a wheelchair or require a fully accessible home environment. Includes step-free access, wide doorways and fully accessible bathrooms and kitchens.
Built for participants who may present complex or challenging behaviours that require a resilient home environment. Features reinforced walls and surfaces, secure spaces and reduced neighbourhood impact design.
The highest level of SDA, designed for participants with the most complex physical support needs. Includes ceiling hoists, emergency power backup, climate control and structural provisions for complex care equipment.
"The right home changes everything. When your environment is designed around your needs, you're not just living — you're thriving. That's what SDA housing can offer, and we're here to help you access it."
How We Help You Access SDA
Navigating SDA can be a complex journey. Our team provides knowledgeable, hands-on support at every stage of the process:
- Reviewing your current NDIS plan for SDA eligibility
- Explaining SDA eligibility criteria clearly
- Guidance on gathering supporting evidence
- Liaising with your support coordinator and planner
- Identifying suitable SDA properties in your preferred location
- Matching properties to your design category and needs
- Arranging property inspections and walkthroughs
- Reviewing lease agreements and tenancy arrangements
- Planning and coordinating your move into SDA housing
- Ensuring Supported Independent Living (SIL) is in place
- Coordinating assistive technology and home modifications
- Ongoing review and advocacy as your needs evolve
Understanding SIL and SDA Together
SIL and SDA are two separate NDIS funding streams that work together to support people with significant disability to live in their own home. Here's how they differ:
- Covers the support you receive at home
- Personal care, daily living, skill building
- Funded under Core Supports
- Delivered by Ace of Care support workers
- Available in any home environment
- Tailored to your goals and routines
- Covers the cost of purpose-built housing
- The physical home and its design features
- Funded under Capital Supports
- Provided by registered SDA providers
- For participants with extreme functional impairment
- Works alongside SIL, not instead of it
If you're exploring both SIL and SDA, our team can help you understand how both work together and support you in accessing both through your NDIS plan.
How the SDA Process Works
For most participants, accessing SDA involves several steps. We walk alongside you through each one:
SDA is available to a small group of NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. We help you understand the eligibility criteria and whether SDA may be right for you.
An SDA application requires evidence from occupational therapists, allied health professionals and your care team. We help coordinate this process and ensure the right documentation is in place.
SDA funding must be approved and included in your NDIS plan. We work with your support coordinator and the NDIA to progress your application and respond to any requests for information.
Once funding is approved, we help you search for a suitable SDA property that matches your design category, location preferences, and lifestyle — including shared or individual living options.
We support your transition into your new home, ensuring your in-home supports (such as SIL) are arranged and that your home environment is set up to meet your daily needs from day one.
Our Approach to SDA Support
We understand that finding the right home is one of the most important decisions a participant and their family can make. Our approach is built on listening, advocacy and genuine commitment to your housing goals.
- Your housing preferences always come first
- Location, housemates and lifestyle considered
- Family and guardian involvement welcomed
- No pressure — we move at your pace
We provide honest, independent advice about SDA options — helping you understand what you’re entitled to, what’s available, and what questions to ask. We advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the housing you need.
- SDA considered alongside your broader NDIS goals
- In-home support services coordinated alongside housing
- Future-proofing for changing support needs
- Regular housing reviews as your situation evolves
Who Can Access SDA?
SDA is available to a specific group of NDIS participants. You may be eligible if you have:
- An extreme functional impairment
- Very high support needs requiring specialist housing
- A physical, intellectual or psychosocial disability
- Needs that cannot be met in standard housing
- Complex medical or behavioural support requirements
- Unsafe or unsuitable current living arrangements
- A recommendation from an occupational therapist
- SDA already noted as a goal in your NDIS plan
SDA funding is approved by the NDIA and sits within the Capital Supports budget of your NDIS plan. It is separate from Supported Independent Living (SIL) and other in-home support funding. If you’re unsure whether you may be eligible, contact us for a no-obligation conversation — we’re happy to help you understand your options.
Why Choose Ace of Care for SDA Support?
Our team understands the NDIS SDA framework and can guide you through eligibility, evidence and application with confidence.
We listen to your housing goals and preferences before anything else — your home, your choice.
From eligibility assessment through to moving in and settling, we're with you at every step of the journey.
We ensure your SDA housing is matched with the right in-home supports so everything works together seamlessly.
We represent your interests — helping you ask the right questions and navigate the NDIS system with clarity.
Fully registered and experienced in working within the NDIS framework to support participants to access the housing they deserve.
Whether you’re just starting to explore SDA or are ready to take the next step, our team is here to help. Contact Ace of Care today for a free, no-obligation conversation about your housing needs and goals.