FAQs
SDA & NDIS funding
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is one of the Home and Living supports that may be funded under the NDIS.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to properties that are designed and built to meet the specific needs of individuals with significant and permanent disabilities.
These properties meet strict design standards, as published by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
SDA can be a range of different dwelling types: Apartments, villas, townhouses, duplexes and houses.
There are also four different design categories:
- High Physical Support: for Participants with significant physical impairment, usually power wheelchair users and having wider doorways and provision for home automation.
- Fully Accessible: adapted for accessibility for people with mobility impairment
- Robust: accessible, with breakout space and built with resilient materials for people with behaviour support needs.
- Improved Liveability: trip-free environment suitable for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment.
Participants eligible for SDA are funded for SDA in their NDIS plan to cover the cost of the construction of their chosen SDA home. SDA funding is a capital fund that is paid directly to the registered SDA provider.
SDA funding is for the dwelling only – it does not cover support costs (such as Supported Independent Living), which are assessed and funded separately under the NDIS.
Your SDA funding level will depend upon what type of accommodation, design category and location you are eligible for. The NDIA should take your needs and preferences into account in considering your application for SDA.
These properties are tailored to provide a supportive and accessible living environment, promoting independence and enhancing the overall quality of life for people with disabilities.
SDA incorporates features such as wider doorways and hallways for wheelchair accessibility, provisions for assistive technology, home automation and specialised design elements to address the unique requirements of its residents and their lifestyle.
AccessAccom properties also feature the following:
- Automated entry and balcony doors for easy wheelchair accessibility
- Enterprise network throughout the building allowing secure connection for communication and technology
- Emergency call points as well as ability to make emergency calls from tablet, phone or pendant
- Intergrated home automation allowing control of blinds, AC, lighting and doors
- Installation of ceiling point anchors to enable easier and more cost effective installation of ceiling hoist for participants
- Minor modifications installed such as grab rails, back rests, bathtubs.
Your Supports
We understand the importance of having control over your own support team and encourage tenants to utilise their existing services. You will have full choice and control to select your planned support providers.
AccessAccom’s model includes access to a shared on-site support provider based in an apartment in the same development or a room within the same building.
The on-site support provider is available 24/7 and will be funded through your core supports budget in your NDIS plan or via specific onsite shared support (OSS) funding if you’re living in an apartment.
Tenants will be able to vote on the disability service provider that provides on-site shared support.
The on-site shared support is available to provide tenants with unplanned and ad hoc supports which increases tenant safety and security within apartment SDA.
AccessAccom’s call assist communication system allows tenants to call for this support, as and when needed. This ensures independence and privacy when they don’t require support workers to be present in their home all the time.
AccessAccom facilitates the establishment of on-site concierge support services to reputable service providers for the initial set up of the properties. Tenants will then have an opportunity to vote and select the concierge provider by consensus.
Your Tenancy
AccessAccom is a registered NDIS Service Provider of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA Provider).
AccessAccom is also your friendly Property Manager.
Our SDA is available for rent by SDA eligible participants. If you meet the following requirements, please contact us to apply for an apartment:
- You are an NDIS participant (or likely to be eligible for NDIS funding)
- You are aged between 18-64 years old
- You need at least 6 hours of support a day from another person (paid or informal supports)
- You require specialist design features in your own home
- You can spend time alone but need support to be available when called.
Your rent is capped at 25% of the single Disability Support Pension plus 100% of Commonwealth Rental Assistance (or equivalent). This is also known as the Maximum Reasonable Rental Contribution (MRRC).
Rent is paid fortnightly in advance, with a bond paid equal to 4 weeks of MRRC.
The payment rates are updated on 20 March and 20 September every year. If you are sharing your SDA with a non SDA participant then appendix H applies.
Note: there is a handy calculator on the NDIS website (view).
Yes, it is possible to live with other Participants or non-NDIS participants such as a partner or family member. Funding arrangements come under Appendix H in the price guide above and can be complex, so please contact us for a friendly discussion.
Rent can be paid electronically or we can set up a direct debit from your Centrelink account via CentrePay.
You will also be required to pay for all utilities (electricity, gas, water and internet) and groceries, medication and other household supplies.
Our Apartments allow you to furnish to your preferences.
Our shared houses will be furnished in the common areas. You will still need to furnish your bedroom suites.
We accept pet applications!
Provided that you can demonstrate that you can adequately care for your pet.
Pets must comply with body corporate by-laws and be approved by the body corporate in apartment setting.
Yes, if you live as a sole occupant and subject to your support workers.
In shared living environments this will be subject to your house mates and support workers.
Yes all our new SDA have fire sprinklers.
AccessAccom apartments are designed as fire compartments to ensure that you will be safe to shelter in place for a certain time usually 2 hrs.
The local fire authority has a record of the SDA locations and will prioritise the evacuation of these occupants when contacted.
You will also have on-site shared support staff to assist with your personal evacuation if required.
Our houses have site specific evacuation procedures in place which are managed by the on site Support Provider.
How do I apply?
Step 1
Contact our team and complete an Expression of Interest form.
Step 2
Discuss your eligibility and options.
Step 3
View the property.
Step 4
Complete application form.