What Is NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is NDIS funding that covers the cost of purpose-built or specially designed housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Unlike SIL, which funds the support workers inside your home, SDA funds the physical property itself.
Help Alliance doesn't own SDA homes or provide support. We pass your request to local SDA and SIL providers who can help.
Find SDA and SIL providers in Perth
Free to use. Tell us what you need and local providers who can start will contact you. You choose who to go with.
Get supportThe 4 SDA Design Categories
The NDIS funds four types of SDA housing. Each is designed for a different level of support need. Your Occupational Therapist will recommend which category suits you.
Improved Liveability
Best for: sensory, intellectual, or cognitive disability
Improved features such as better lighting, wider corridors, and layouts that support wayfinding. Designed for participants who need a home environment that reduces cognitive load and sensory challenges.
Fully Accessible
Best for: moderate to high physical support needs
Full physical accessibility features including wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, ramps, wider doorways, and step-free access throughout — for participants with significant physical impairment.
Robust
Best for: participants with complex or challenging behaviours
Reinforced, highly durable construction that can withstand high physical demand. Designed for participants whose behaviour may place significant stress on a property — built to be safe for everyone.
High Physical Support
Best for: very high physical support needs
The highest level of physical access — including ceiling hoists, hospital-grade bathroom equipment, and home automation — for participants who require significant physical supports around the clock.
SDA vs SIL — Understanding the Difference
SDA — Specialist Disability Accommodation
Funds the physical property — purpose-built or modified housing.
- ✓ Covers rent and accommodation costs
- ✓ For extreme functional impairment only
- ✓ Four design categories
- ✓ Funded separately from support workers
SIL — Supported Independent Living
Funds the support workers who assist you in your home.
- ✓ Daily living and personal care
- ✓ Community access support
- ✓ Can be in any home, including SDA
- ✓ Funded separately from accommodation
Most participants in SDA housing also receive SIL. Your SIL provider doesn't have to be the same organisation as your SDA provider.
Who Helps With SDA
Occupational therapist
Completes the housing assessment and SDA report that shows why you need specialist housing and which design category suits you.
Support coordinator
Helps you gather the evidence, submit it to the NDIS, search for vacancies that match your design category, and plan the move.
SDA provider
Owns or manages the home. You pay a Reasonable Rent Contribution and your SDA funding covers the rest.
SIL provider
Provides the daily support inside your home, such as personal care, meals and community access. You choose your SIL provider separately from your SDA provider.
Find providers for related support:
Assistance with Self-Care
- Personal hygiene assistance
- Dressing and grooming
- Meal preparation support
- Medication management
Community Participation
- Social group activities
- Assistance with volunteering
- Recreational outings
- Skill-building workshops
Travel and Transport
- Safe travel assistance
- Accompanied appointments
- Transport to community events
- Assistance with public transport
Frequently Asked Questions — NDIS SDA Housing Perth
Looking for SDA or SIL?
Tell us what you need and when. Providers confirm they can start before they accept, up to three can accept your request, and you choose. Free for families.
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