Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Care Assure is a registered NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation provider across South Australia and Tasmania. We offer High Physical Support, Robust, Fully Accessible, and Improved Liveability homes, with daily support and registered nurse oversight available in every property.
What is SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is NDIS-funded housing designed for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It is not everyday housing with a few modifications. SDA homes are purpose-built or fully modified to meet a national design standard, with features such as ceiling hoists, reinforced walls, wider doorways, and backup power.
SDA funds the home itself. It does not fund the support workers who assist you inside it. That daily support is funded separately, through Supported Independent Living or your Core Supports budget. Many participants hold both, and Care Assure provides both, so your housing and your support come from one provider.
SDA is funded under the Capital Supports budget in your NDIS plan. Eligibility is assessed against strict criteria, and only a small percentage of NDIS participants qualify. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, our team can talk you through it before you apply.
Who is Eligible for SDA?
SDA is funded for a small percentage of NDIS participants: those whose disability-related needs cannot be met by standard or modified housing. The NDIS assesses eligibility against two broad tests:
- Extreme functional impairment: you need significant help with daily activities, or specialist equipment built into your home.
- Very high support needs: standard housing options have been tried or ruled out, and SDA is the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.
Eligibility is decided through your NDIS planning process, usually with evidence from an occupational therapist. If SDA is not yet in your plan, our team can help you understand whether it is worth pursuing and what evidence supports a request.
SDA Design Categories: HPS, Robust, Fully Accessible and Improved Liveability
Every SDA home is built to one of four design categories set by the NDIS. The category funded in your plan reflects your assessed needs. Care Assure operates homes across all four.
- High Physical Support (HPS): The highest specification category, for participants who need significant physical assistance and specialist equipment. HPS homes include ceiling hoists, backup power for life-sustaining equipment, automated doors, and structural provision for assistive technology. Read more on our High Physical Support SDA page.
- Robust: Built for participants who need a resilient, secure environment, including those with complex behaviours. Robust homes use reinforced materials, impact-resistant fittings, and layouts that reduce risk while supporting independence. Read more on our Robust SDA page.
- Fully Accessible: For participants with significant physical impairment who need a home that is wheelchair accessible throughout. Features include step-free access, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and height-adjustable fittings. Read more on our Fully Accessible SDA page.
- Improved Liveability: For participants with sensory, cognitive, or lower physical support needs. These homes include better lighting, clearer lines of sight, and features that aid orientation and reduce sensory strain. Read more on our Improved Liveability SDA page.
SDA Vacancies
Current SDA availability changes regularly. Check what is open now by design category and location, or contact our team to discuss upcoming vacancies. Care Assure keeps an up-to-date list of available SDA homes across SA and Tasmania, including the design category, bed count, and current availability for each listing. You can view all our properties to see what is open now.
- For Rent
- SDA
9 Newfield Rd, Rokeby TAS 7019, Australia
- For Rent
- SDA
26A Brodie Rd, Reynella SA 5161, Australia
- For Rent
- SDA
26B Brodie Rd, Reynella SA 5161, Australia
SDA Locations Across SA and Tasmania
Care Assure operates SDA homes in both states. Choose your location for local homes, vacancies, and support.
SDA in Adelaide
NDIS SDA homes across greater Adelaide, including High Physical Support and Robust properties.
SDA in Tasmania
Specialist Disability Accommodation statewide, from greater Hobart to the Launceston region.
SDA in Hobart
SDA homes across greater Hobart, with 24-hour support and registered nurse oversight.
SDA in Mount Gambier
High Physical Support and Robust SDA homes in regional SA, at 24A and 24B Queens Ave.
SDA vs SIL - What is the Difference?
SDA and SIL are often confused because they usually work together. The simplest way to hold the difference:
| SDA | SIL | |
|---|---|---|
| Funds | The specialist home itself | The support workers who help you |
| Budget | Capital Supports | Core Supports |
| Who qualifies | Extreme functional impairment or very high needs | Anyone needing daily living assistance |
| Care Assure provides | Yes | Yes |
Most participants with SDA funding also have SIL funding, and the two are delivered together in the same home. You can read more about Supported Independent Living and how we combine it with SDA.
How to Apply for SDA
Applying for Specialist Disability Accommodation takes four steps, from checking your eligibility to moving into your home. Care Assure guides you through each stage and can support your NDIS evidence and plan review.
SDA has strict criteria. Your support coordinator, OT, or our team can tell you whether pursuing SDA is realistic for your situation.
An occupational therapist assessment and a housing plan usually form the core of an SDA request. Care Assure can point you to what the NDIS looks for.
Your planner or LAC submits the request with your evidence. Approval names the design category you are funded for.
Once approved, we match you to an available Care Assure SDA home in your category, arrange your daily support, and our nurse prepares your care plan.
What NDIS Participants Say About Care Assure
Care Assure’s Supported Independent Living program has given me a newfound sense of independence. Their team is so supportive and accommodating, ensuring my needs are met every step of the way. I finally feel empowered to lead my life on my terms!
Why Choose Care Assure for SDA
Choosing an SDA provider affects your home, your daily support, and how the two work together. Here is what sets Care Assure apart across SA and Tasmania.
- Homes across all four design categories: High Physical Support, Robust, Fully Accessible, and Improved Liveability, in SA and Tasmania.
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- SDA and daily support from one provider: No coordination gap between your housing provider and your support team, because they are the same organisation.
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- Registered nurse oversight: A registered nurse writes and reviews the care plan for every resident, not just those with the highest needs.
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- Complex care capability: For residents who need it, we deliver ventilation, tracheostomy, enteral feeding, and other high intensity supports in the home.
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- Real vacancies, honestly reported: We tell you what is actually available and give realistic timelines, especially in Tasmania where SDA supply is tight.
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- NDIS and NIISQ registered since 2019: Award-winning provider, fully compliant with the SDA Practice Standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
SDA is NDIS-funded housing for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It is purpose-built or fully modified to a national design standard. SDA funds the home; the support workers inside are funded separately through SIL or Core Supports.
- What are the four SDA design categories?
High Physical Support, Robust, Fully Accessible, and Improved Liveability. The category funded in your plan reflects your assessed needs. Care Assure operates homes in all four across SA and Tasmania.
- Who is eligible for SDA?
A small percentage of NDIS participants qualify: those whose needs cannot be met by standard or modified housing. Eligibility is assessed through your NDIS plan, usually with evidence from an occupational therapist. Our team can help you understand whether to pursue it.
- What is the difference between SDA and SIL?
SDA funds the specialist home. SIL funds the support workers who help you live in it. They are separate NDIS budgets that usually work together. Care Assure provides both, so your housing and support come from one provider.
- Does Care Assure have SDA vacancies?
Availability changes. Our properties page lists current SDA vacancies by location and design category. In Tasmania, especially, SDA supply is limited, so we encourage early contact even before your funding is confirmed. Call (08) 7071 9276.
