So, What Are the Different Categories of Specialist Disability Accommodation?
Specialist Disability Support (SDA) incorporates four distinct design standards that gives providers the flexibility to respond to participant needs and preferences. Defined into categories, these four standards cater to varying types of need. Have a read below for some information on what each category entails.
Category 1: Improved Liveability
Improved Liveability is one of four Specialist Disability Accommodation design categories aimed at promoting accessible and safe environments for people with disability. The Improved Liveability design standard must incorporate a reasonable level of physical access and enhanced provisions for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairment.
So what design features are included in an Improved Liveability SDA home? Generally, these features can be split up into two groups:
Sensory features – lighting, luminance contrasts, enhanced wayfinding, improved lines of sight, light-based doorbells/switches/alarms, hearing loops and other auditory based assistances.
Intellectual and Cognitive – Labelling of switches/plugs/appliances etc..., use of contextual cues, increased lines of sight, consistency in location of fittings and fixtures, reduced lighting levels.
Category 2: Fully Accessible
Fully Accessible housing is designed to assist people with significant physical impairments by providing a high level of physical access features. Generally, this means that the home should be easy to manoeuvre through whilst being in a wheelchair some of or all the time. Although similar to the High Physical Support design category, fully accessible SDA homes feature slightly fewer requirements to meet standards, such as:
External doors and external outdoor private areas to be accessible by wheelchair.
Bathroom vanity/basins to be accessible in a seated or standing position.
Consideration of kitchen sink, cooktop, meal preparation areas and key appliances to be accessible in seated or standing positions.
Power supply to doors and window blinds, for retrofit of automation as necessary.
Category 3: High Physical Support
A High Physical Support SDA home is designed for people with significant physical impairment and those who need a high level of personal support. High Physical Support SDA must incorporate a high level of access provision for people with such impairments/need, and includes several minimum requirements to be suitable, such as:
External doors and external outdoor private areas to be accessible by wheelchair.
Bathroom vanity/basins to be accessible in a seated or standing position.
Consideration of kitchen sink, cooktop, meal preparation areas and key appliances to be accessible in seated or standing positions.
Structural provisions for ceiling hoists.
Assistive technology capability.
Heating/cooling and household communication technology (e.g., video or intercom systems) that is appropriate for the needs of the residents.
Emergency power solutions.
950mm minimum width of door frames to all habitable rooms.
Category 4: Robust
Robust Specialist Disability Accommodation is housing that has been designed to incorporate a high level of physical access provision and be very resilient. This is to reduce the likelihood of reactive maintenance, as well as reducing risk to the participant and the community. The design features must be resilient but also inconspicuous to reduce these risk factors and include safeguards to support the safety of co-tenants and support staff. Design features that are generally included in Robust housing are:
High impact wall lining, fittings and fixtures (e.g. blinds and door handles).
Secure windows, impact resistant glass, secure doors and external areas.
Appropriate sound proofing if residents are likely to cause significant noise disturbances.
Layout with areas of egress and retreat for staff and other residents to avoid harm if required (often in the form of a ‘Break-out Room’).
Consideration in providing adequate space and safeguards throughout the property to accommodate the needs of residents with complex behaviors.
For More Information…
If you, or somebody you know, is eligible for SDA, we recommend that you get in contact with us so we can ensure you receive the best care and direction in creating a home of your own. Alternatively, if you are unsure that you may be eligible for SDA funding, you can contact us to arrange a one on one phone consultation with us. We can help you with your unique situation and the navigation of SDA - free of charge. Simply click the link below to book a time that works for you.
