SDA Queensland
What is SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
It’s part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
SDA homes are specially built or modified to help residents live more independently and safely — for example, with features like wider doorways, strong walls for hoists, or smart technology systems.
The NDIS funds the housing costs (not the daily support services — that’s separate).
Participants need to have SDA funding included in their NDIS Plan to access this type of housing.
Understanding the 4 Types of SDA Housing — And What You Might Not Know
Navigating Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) can feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to choosing the right type of housing. The NDIS supports four distinct SDA design categories, each tailored to different levels of physical access, support needs, and design features.
But SDA is more than just bricks and mortar — it’s about freedom, choice, and living well with the right support in place.
In this blog, we break down the 4 SDA design categories, what makes them different, and reveal a few important SDA facts that many people don’t realise.
The 4 SDA Design Categories
1. Improved Liveability
Who it’s for:
People with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairments who need a home with better physical access, clarity, and safety features.
Features may include:
Clear lines of sight for people with vision impairments
Accessible switches, handles, and cabinetry
Minimised trip hazards
Easy navigation for people with cognitive disability
Ideal for people who are mobile but need their environment adapted for easier day-to-day living.
2. Fully Accessible
Who it’s for:
People with significant physical impairments who require a home with high-level physical access features throughout.
Features may include:
Wide doorways and corridors
Step-free entry and bathrooms
Hoist-ready bedrooms and bathrooms
Accessible kitchen benches and appliances
Designed for individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids and require constant environmental accessibility.
3. High Physical Support
Who it’s for:
People with complex needs who require significant support with mobility, transfers, and daily personal care — often in conjunction with assistive technology.
Features may include:
Ceiling hoists and automated doors
Backup power for medical equipment
Structural supports for heavy-duty equipment
Enhanced fire safety systems
Perfect for participants who need 24/7 support, clinical equipment, and a built-for-purpose space to live safely.
4. Robust
Who it’s for:
People who may have complex behavioural support needs that require a more durable, secure living environment.
Features may include:
Reinforced walls and impact-resistant fittings
Soundproofing for personal space
Safe, low-stimulation environments
Secure outdoor access and breakout areas
Designed to provide stability, safety, and privacy — without compromising comfort.
Zillmere – High Physical Supports Property – 2 Vacancies. SIL supports provided by I-Help Disability Services
About I-Help Disability Services
I-Help is an experienced Supported Independent Living (SIL) service provider in Queensland. We are currently providing SIL services to NDIS participants in Zillmere, Kallangur, Logan Reserve, Silkstone, Redbank Plains and Narangba. All of these properties are SDA properties, with seperate property managers who are registered SDA providers.
There is a clear seperation between us as the SIL supports provider and the SDA component, to promote participants’ choice and control. This way, if the participant would like to discontinue SIL services, they are not required to move house.
We provide SIL services in all categories of SDA accommodation: High Physical, Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, and Robust.
We have a number of SDA vacancies across Queensland. See all our accommodation vacancies here in Queensland.
