Your Guide to SDA Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work and what are the different types of SDA?
Read on to get the answers to these questions and more…
If you or someone you love is living with a disability, you understand how challenging accommodating housing is to find. Let alone the average family who is navigating a global housing crisis.
That doesn't include the price that some families shell out for assisted living facilities. The Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA, is housing designed for specific individuals with disabilities that are eligible for subsidy programs.
The National Disability Insurance Agency, or NDIA, exists to implement the social and community economics of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). A person is eligible for SDA if they require extra support and higher levels of care in their living space.
Having access to this type of resource is a crucial part of community development. In many cases, a person doesn't realise this is even an option for them. Let's break down the SDA housing model into digestible pieces.
Specialist Disability Accommodation Housing
Housing-first models around the world support marginalised individuals. It can be tough to remember the specifics of each subsidy and program.
SDA is a type of dwelling with access to a safe home with proper disability accommodations. This eligibility is determined by the NDIA. The SDA monthly payment covers a person's cost of living. This alleviates the strain of having to pay more in rent due to their disability.
There are a few options in which a person could become eligible for SDA. In one scenario, a participant having "extreme functional impairment" may qualify. And alternatively, if the said participant has "very high support needs that can most appropriately be met by SDA", they may also qualify.
The varying levels of housing are the most important part of the SDA. This encourages people to identify their needs upfront. And in their best effort to support those individuals, they can help determine which set-up is best. There are many housing programs throughout the world that fail to foster his connection.
Identifying a person's needs is the most crucial part of their success story. An assessment by an allied health member will be completed to determine if eligible, the best path forward for the participant.
Like disability in other parts of the world, a substantial amount of evidence is required. This supports the individual needs to be included in the housing plan. Some individuals need support with getting in and out of bed and preparing food for themselves.
SDA housing can be a lifesaver in a literal sense. Once eligibility is determined, the NDIS will move forward and determine if the SDA will add to the individual's quality of life.
What Are The Different Types?
Most of the world outside of programs like SDA chooses their housing based on a list of common needs. Some families require a two-story home next to a school, while others prefer a small studio apartment on the bus line.
Every individual should be able to express their needs and get them met. Especially if that person is living with a disability in an unstable housing environment, a shelter or outside. Asking for help can be challenging in a world where doors are constantly closing.
That is all the more reason for services organisations like the SDA to exist. There are a few core types of SDA housing with varying levels of support required for their housing participants.
Improved Livability: incorporates an understandable amount of physical accessibility with enhancements for individuals that have sensory, cognitive, or intellectual integration issues
Fully Accessible: intentional housing designed to promote a top tier level of access for those with significant impairments
Robust: resilient housing that lessens the chance of reactive behaviours and lowers community risk, and risk for the participant
High Physical Support: a space designed to support people with high levels of physical access that live with significant impairment, requiring excess levels of support
Community-Centred
People who are living with disabilities often live a turbulent quality of life. Much of that stems from not having the supports in place that they desperately need. The SDA strives to provide reasonable accommodations for the people that really need it.
Encouraging and fostering a safe environment that enhances a person's quality of life is what this model is all about. There is a straightforward application process that the proper support team can help with. Placement in the SDA program is more doable than it sounds, eligibility permitting.
A reasonable rent contribution comes from each participant's disability support pension and commonwealth assisted rent allowance. This is what makes this model more reachable than most. To honour accessibility is to truly define its limits. And when properly done, the lives impacted by that support are higher in number than most people realise.
Regardless of ability level, every individual deserves the opportunity to have safety. Four walls surrounding them, a hot meal at night, and access to the support they need. From medication to skilled nursing, this housing program supports those who need consistent care.
Support Is Inclusive
Housing is a human right regardless of abilities.
The Specialist Disability Accommodation exists to ensure that the folks who need it receive it. This is the level of care, case management, and support required to live a fruitful life within their set of circumstances.
If you or a family member is in need of permanent SDA housing in QLD, connect with us on our website to learn more.
