Finding the Right Home with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
At Songbird, we believe everyone deserves a home that meets their needs—one that offers independence, security, and dignity. That’s why we’re passionate about Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and helping people navigate their NDIS journey.
SDA is designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, providing purpose-built homes that make daily life safer, easier, and more comfortable. But who qualifies for SDA and how do you apply? Let’s break it down step by step.
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
SDA is a type of NDIS-funded housing that provides safe, accessible, and comfortable homes for people who need more than standard housing can offer. Unlike regular homes, SDA properties are specifically designed for mobility, accessibility, and high-support needs.
What SDA Covers:
✅ The physical home itself (not daily support services)
✅ Specialist design features (wide hallways, hoists, smart technology)
✅ Increased safety measures (reinforced walls, emergency power systems)
What SDA Doesn’t Cover:
❌ Daily personal care (this is funded separately under Supported Independent Living (SIL))
❌ Household assistance like cooking and cleaning (these services require separate funding)
Examples of SDA homes:
➡️ Fully wheelchair-accessible apartments with smart home features.
➡️ Homes with hoists, reinforced walls, and assistive technology.
➡️ Group homes with on-site 24/7 support staff.
Who is Eligible for SDA?
To qualify for SDA, you need to meet three key requirements under the NDIS:
1. You Have an Extreme Functional Impairment
This means your disability severely impacts your ability to carry out daily tasks, even with assistive technology or home modifications. You may struggle with:
✔ Mobility – You need a wheelchair and major assistance to move around.
✔ Self-care – You require help with showering, dressing, eating, or using the toilet.
✔ Self-management – You have difficulty making daily decisions or organising tasks.
👉 Example: A person with quadriplegia who requires full-time care and a hoist to transfer from bed to a wheelchair.
2. You Have Very High Support Needs
You may qualify if you need constant or immediate personal support that isn’t manageable in standard housing. The NDIS assesses:
✔ If you’ve lived in SDA before and cannot transition to other housing.
✔ If you need 24/7 care, and your family or informal support network can’t provide it.
✔ If you are at risk of harm (or pose a risk to others) and SDA would reduce that risk.
👉 Example: A person with a severe intellectual disability who requires continuous supervision to stay safe.
3. You Meet the SDA Needs Requirement
Even if you have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, the NDIS will check if SDA is the best and most cost-effective solution for you. They consider:
✔ Does SDA help you achieve your goals (e.g., more independence or social inclusion)?
✔ Will it improve your quality of life and prevent deterioration?
✔ Does SDA reduce the need for other costly supports you might require in a different home?
👉 Example: A person with progressive motor neurone disease who requires a highly accessible home with built-in hoists and emergency power backups.
How to Apply for SDA
Applying for SDA might seem overwhelming, but at Songbird, we’re here to help. The process is easier when broken down into three simple steps:
✅ Step 1: Gather Supporting Evidence
Your NDIS planner will need reports from:
- Occupational Therapists (OTs) (functional assessments)
- Physiotherapists (mobility and movement needs)
- Medical specialists (supporting medical conditions)
- NDIS Support Coordinators (helping you navigate the system)
✅ Step 2: Add an SDA Housing Goal to Your NDIS Plan
- Work with your NDIS planner or Songbird Support Coordinator to include SDA in your plan.
- Clearly explain why SDA is necessary for your independence and quality of life.
✅ Step 3: Submit Your SDA Application
- Provide all supporting documents to the NDIS.
- Wait for approval (this process can take several months).
What If Your SDA Application is Denied?
Not all SDA applications are approved the first time. If your request is denied, don’t worry—you can appeal. Here’s what to do:
1️⃣ Review the reason for rejection – The NDIS will explain why it wasn’t approved.
2️⃣ Gather additional evidence – Ask your OT or doctor for more detailed reports.
3️⃣ Request a plan review – You have the right to appeal if you believe SDA is necessary.
Why Choose Songbird for SDA?
At Songbird, we do more than provide housing—we create homes where people feel safe, supported, and empowered. Whether you’re just learning about SDA or ready to apply, our team is here to guide you through the process.
What we offer:
✔ Purpose-built, accessible homes designed for independence.
✔ Support in securing SDA funding through expert guidance.
✔ A caring community that puts participants first.
Let us take the stress out of the process—so you can focus on building a life that works for you. Need Help Applying for SDA? We’re here to help you find the perfect home.