SDA is a housing payment under the NDIS for participants whose disability affects the kind of home they need. It funds the bricks and mortar — not the support inside. At Recovery Disability Services, we pair SDA with SIL so the home and the support move together.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is NDIS-funded housing designed and built to meet the needs of people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It recognises that for some participants, mainstream housing simply isn't safe, accessible, or practical — and that the right home is itself a form of support.
SDA homes are built to one of four NDIS-approved design categories. Your plan will specify which category you're funded for.
- Improved Liveability — reasonable level of physical access and sensory features for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairment.
- Fully Accessible — high level of physical access for people with significant physical impairment.
- Robust — built to reduce risk to the participant and the community, for people who may damage the environment or need a resilient setting.
- High Physical Support — high physical access with structural provision for hoists, ceiling tracks, back-up power, and more, for people with very high support needs.
SDA is for a small group of participants with very specific needs.
- ✓ You have "Specialist Disability Accommodation" funded in your current NDIS plan
- ✓ You have extreme functional impairment or very high support needs
- ✓ You're transitioning from hospital, aged care, or an unsuitable living arrangement
- ✓ Your current home doesn't meet your physical, sensory, or safety needs
- ✓ You need robust accommodation that reduces risk for you and the people around you
- ✓ Your Support Coordinator or Occupational Therapist has recommended specialist housing
More than a roof — a home designed for how you live.
Questions we hear most.
Do I need SDA funding in my plan to live in your homes? +
Yes. SDA is a specific funding category in your NDIS plan. If it's not listed, we can help you understand the assessment pathway — it usually involves your Support Coordinator working with an Occupational Therapist to build the evidence for a plan review.
Can I bring my own SIL provider? +
In most cases, yes. Participants have choice and control over who delivers their supports. However, we often recommend using our SIL team because the home, the support, and the care plan are designed to work together — and it simplifies coordination.
When are the new vacancies available? +
New SDA homes are coming online in June 2026 across multiple states. To register interest or be matched early, request a call back and we'll arrange a no-obligation conversation with your Support Coordinator.
What if my needs change after I move in? +
We review your support arrangement regularly. SDA homes are designed to flex — if your needs shift, we work with your plan, your SC, and your allied health team to adjust supports, equipment, or the home itself where possible.