Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Reports

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to purpose-built housing funded by the NDIS for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA is designed to maximise independence, safety, and quality of life, while also enabling delivery of other supports like Supported Independent Living (SIL).

SDA properties may include:

Fully accessible homes
High physical support apartments
Robust housing for people with complex behaviours
Improved liveability homes for sensory or cognitive needs

Only about 6% of NDIS participants will be eligible for SDA funding, so applications must be supported by strong, evidence-based reports.

Who is Eligible for SDA?

To be eligible for SDA, participants must meet the following criteria:

Be an NDIS participant aged 18 or over
Have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs
Be unable to live in mainstream housing, even with supports
Show that SDA is the most reasonable and necessary option

Applications are assessed by the NDIA’s Home and Living Team and must be supported by clinical evidence and a clear housing goal in the participant’s NDIS plan.

The Role of Allied Health Professionals in SDA Reports

Occupational therapists are central to the SDA application process. Their reports provide critical insights into a participant’s:

Functional abilities and support needs
Physical environment requirements
Safety concerns and housing barriers
Daily living challenges and independence goals

Speech pathologists may also contribute when communication, swallowing, or mealtime safety factors are relevant to the person’s housing needs.

What Should Be Included in an SDA Report?

A high-quality SDA assessment and report should include the following:

1. Participant Overview and NDIS Goals

Diagnosis and disability
Age, living situation, and current support arrangements
Relevant NDIS goals (e.g. “live in my own home with the right supports”)

2. Functional Capacity and Support Needs

Assessment of self-care, mobility, cognition, safety awareness
Communication and behaviour (if relevant)
Results from standardised tools (e.g. WHODAS, Vineland-3)

3. Environmental Barriers and Risks

Current housing limitations (e.g. stairs, layout, lack of accessibility)
Safety risks (e.g. falls, elopement, harm to self or others)
Impact on informal supports (e.g. carer burnout)

4. SDA Design Recommendations

SDA design category (e.g. Fully Accessible, High Physical Support, Robust)
Housing features required (e.g. wide doorways, reinforced walls, assistive tech)
Justification for design based on risk, safety, and function

5. Comparison of Alternative Housing Options

Why mainstream housing or home modifications are unsuitable
Why SDA is the most appropriate and sustainable option

Case Example: SDA Report in Action

Jack is a 24-year-old man with cerebral palsy and complex epilepsy. He uses a power wheelchair and requires 24/7 support. His current home has narrow doorways and unsafe access to the bathroom, increasing his fall risk and carer burden.

An occupational therapist completes a functional assessment and recommends High Physical Support SDA, based on:

Jack’s need for ceiling hoists and assistive tech
Carer support space
Emergency communication systems

The OT clearly links the housing recommendation to Jack’s support needs, safety, and independence goals.

What Happens After an SDA Report is Submitted?

Once the report is complete:

It is included in a Home and Living Supporting Evidence Form
The participant or support coordinator submits it to the NDIA
The NDIA reviews the evidence and may request clarification
If approved, SDA funding is added to the participant’s plan

Once funding is in place, participants can explore housing options that meet their design category through SDA providers.

Final Thoughts

Applying for SDA funding requires detailed, expert evidence — and the occupational therapist’s report is key to building the case. When written clearly and aligned to NDIS criteria, these reports can open the door to safe, purpose-built housing that empowers participants to live with dignity, independence, and choice.