Choosing the right home is one of life’s most important decisions. For people living with disability — especially those with high support needs — it’s not just about having somewhere to live. It’s about living safely, confidently and with genuine independence.
At Songbird, we believe a home should be a foundation for opportunity, growth, and belonging. That’s why we’re proud to launch a new range of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes at Elermore Vale. But before we dive into the details of these exciting new villas, it’s important to understand exactly what SDA is — and why the type of SDA home matters so much.
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA, is a form of housing under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that is purpose-built for individuals with very high support needs or extreme functional impairments.
SDA focuses on the structure and features of the home itself. It’s about creating environments that remove barriers, enhance daily independence and improve overall quality of life. From wider doorways and reinforced walls to smart home technology and sensory-friendly designs, every element of an SDA home is carefully considered to meet the participant’s unique needs.
It’s important to remember that SDA funding covers the housing itself — the physical structure — but does not include daily support services such as personal care, household tasks, or community participation. These supports are funded separately through the NDIS under programs like Supported Independent Living (SIL).
If you’d like a closer look at how SDA and SIL work together and how to make sure SDA funding is included in your NDIS plan, you can explore it further in one of our previous blogs here.
The Different Types of SDA — And Who They Suit
One of the strengths of Specialist Disability Accommodation is that it recognises not all disabilities are the same — and that true support means more than simply providing a home. Different people need different environments to feel safe, confident and independent, which is why SDA offers a range of design categories tailored to individual needs.
Each type of SDA is carefully designed to support not just accessibility, but everyday living, personal goals and long-term wellbeing.
Here’s a closer look:
High Physical Support (HPS)
High Physical Support homes are specifically designed for individuals with very high mobility and health support needs. These homes provide advanced accessibility and integrated smart technologies to ensure participants can manage daily life independently and safely. HPS dwellings are built to accommodate the use of mobility aids, hoists, and complex medical equipment without restriction.
These environments are not just about mobility — they are about empowering participants who require intensive support to live comfortably, safely, and with as much autonomy as possible.
Common features include:
- Full wheelchair accessibility throughout the property
- Ceiling reinforcements to allow for hoist installations
- Emergency backup power systems for critical medical equipment
- Smart home automation (lighting, doors, climate control)
Who it suits:
- Participants who use powered wheelchairs
- Individuals requiring ceiling hoists for daily transfers
- Participants relying on ventilators or other essential medical devices
- Residents who benefit from technology-based supports for greater independence
Fully Accessible
Fully Accessible homes are designed for participants with significant physical disabilities who need a high level of ease moving through their home but may not require the intensive technology support found in HPS designs. The focus is on smooth, unrestricted movement, accessible layouts, and assistive fittings that support daily independence.
These homes provide essential features for participants who want to complete everyday activities like personal care and meal preparation with minimal barriers or assistance.
Common features include:
- Step-free access to all rooms and outdoor spaces
- Extra-wide doorways, halls, and circulation areas
- Accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers, grab rails, and adapted vanities
- Kitchens fitted with adjustable benches, lowered appliances, and easy-to-reach storage
Who it suits:
- Participants who use manual or powered wheelchairs
- Residents with significant mobility impairments but lower medical complexity
- Individuals seeking safe, accessible spaces for daily living without requiring complex health integrations
Improved Liveability
Improved Liveability homes are built for participants with sensory, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities. These homes focus on creating calm, intuitive, and easy-to-navigate environments that minimise sensory triggers and reduce everyday stress.
The design prioritises layout simplicity, visual cues, and acoustic management — helping participants feel more in control and supporting greater independence and wellbeing.
Common features include:
- Open-plan layouts that are easy to navigate
- Enhanced natural lighting and controlled ventilation
- High-contrast colour schemes to assist with wayfinding
- Low-stimulation finishes to promote calmness and reduce anxiety
- Acoustic treatments to reduce background noise and sensory overload
Who it suits:
- Participants on the autism spectrum who require calm, structured environments
- Individuals with acquired brain injuries who benefit from predictable layouts
- People with sensory processing difficulties or vision impairments
Robust
Robust homes are designed for participants who require a physically stronger, more secure living environment. These properties are ideal for individuals who may display behaviours of concern and need a space that can withstand higher levels of physical interaction without creating safety risks.
The goal of Robust design is not just resilience, but also creating low-arousal, structured environments that encourage emotional regulation and wellbeing.
Common features include:
- Impact-resistant walls, doors, and windows
- Reinforced fixtures, secure locks, and durable finishes
- Soundproofing to reduce sensory overload
- Secure, contained outdoor spaces
Who it suits:
- Participants who may display behavioural outbursts
- Individuals needing extra-secure, low-stress living spaces
- Residents requiring strong, resilient environments that support stability
How SDA Funding Works
SDA funding is included under Capital Supports in a participant’s NDIS plan. It covers the cost of the specialised housing design and build — but not the day-to-day supports like cooking, cleaning, or community access, which are funded separately through programs like SIL.
Participants also contribute a capped rental amount, generally up to 25% of their Disability Support Pension plus any Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Because SDA funding is tied to the participant, not the provider, individuals have flexibility — they can move between registered SDA properties as their needs and circumstances change. This structure gives participants real control over where they live and how they live.
The Different Types of SDA Buildings
In addition to the design category, participants can choose from a range of SDA building styles depending on their goals and lifestyle preferences. These include:
- Detached houses — Offering maximum independence and outdoor space
- Apartments — Providing convenient urban living with strong accessibility features
- Townhouses and villas — Balancing privacy with community access
- Group homes — Where shared living supports social connection and structured support
Having building options means SDA participants can choose not just the right features — but the right kind of home environment.
Introducing Songbird’s New SDA Homes at Elermore Vale
We are excited to announce the launch of our brand-new SDA villas in the quiet, leafy suburb of Elermore Vale.
Our new development includes:
- Two 2-bedroom villas designed to High Physical Support standards
- Two 3-bedroom villas tailored for Improved Liveability and Robust needs
Each villa is built to meet the highest NDIS design standards, featuring spacious layouts, quality finishes, and thoughtful accessibility features that make daily life easier and more independent.
Located just minutes from shops, public transport links, and John Hunter Hospital, our Elermore Vale homes offer the perfect combination of convenience, community, and comfort.
Why Choose Songbird?
At Songbird, we believe the right home changes everything. We design and deliver homes that aren’t just about accessibility — they’re about opportunity, empowerment, and living life to the fullest.
Our commitment goes beyond bricks and mortar. We partner closely with participants, families, and support networks to ensure every move is personalised, every home is matched to the individual, and every journey is led by choice, not compromise.
Because we know that a true home is where dignity, independence, and possibility meet.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you or someone you support is looking for Specialist Disability Accommodation that feels like more than just a house — that feels like a home — we’d love to talk.
📞 Call (02) 4048 4220
📧 Email enquiry@songbird.com.au
🌐 Visit www.songbird.com.au
At Songbird, we don’t just open doors. We open new possibilities.