At Melba, we think everyone should feel comfortable and independent in their own home. That’s why we’re committed to providing access to a range of quality specialist disability accommodation (SDA) in the communities we operate.
We work closely with you every step of the way to make sure your home feels right for you.
Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) is housing designed to certain specifications for people with more complex support needs and physical disability. Funded by the NDIS, SDA houses are purpose built to make sure your home fits your needs and lifestyle. They include features like wider doorways, accessible entries, open floor plans and accessible bathrooms.
SDA funding covers the cost of the house itself; with any personal supports funded separately through your NDIS plan.
Specialist disability accommodation is grouped into four design categories that provide adjustments for different levels of support and access. Each category includes specific design features, ranging from basic accessibility through to fully supported living.
SDA houses are not built the same for everyone, but rather a guide to help builders create houses that reflect your individual needs.
The four SDA design categories are:
Improved liveability (IL) houses are designed for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive disability who need calm, easy to navigate spaces. These houses may include features like good lighting, clear lines of sight, and sound insulation to reduce sensory overload.
Robust houses are designed for people who use behaviours of protest and need a safe environment to feel secure and supported. These houses are built with durable materials and features, such as reinforced walls, impact resistant windows, and quiet breakout spaces.
Fully accessible (FA) houses are for people who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters or other aids each day. These houses tend to include wide doorways, step free entry, accessible bathrooms, and open layouts that make it easier to move around freely and live independently.
High physical support (HPS) houses provide the highest level of accessibility. For people with very high physical support needs, they often include specialised items, such as fixed transfer equipment, height adjustable benches, advanced home automation systems and backup power supply for essential equipment.
The specialist disability accommodation (SDA) design standards set the foundation for how new SDA housing is built. Each new house is reviewed by an accredited SDA assessor to make sure it meets one of the four design categories. These standards exist to ensure quality, safety and accessibility in every house.
Melba Support Services provides a wide range of SDA housing to suit your lifestyle, support needs and independence.
*A strata title is when you own your individual property and share ownership of common areas, such as gardens or driveways, with the other owners in the complex.
In Victoria, SDA housing is provided by registered specialist disability accommodation providers. Organisations like Melba work with work with builders and developers to create comfortable, accessible housing choices that meet SDA design standards.
If you’re looking for SDA housing in Victoria, we can work closely with you to understand your interests and preferences. Every person is different – and that’s why we tailor our support to find a house where you can live your best life.
Please reach out to Melba Support Services today.
Applying for SDA funding can be hard. You must be an existing NDIS participant and be able to show that funding is ‘reasonable and necessary’ for your support needs. This includes providing a housing assessment report from an occupational therapist and completing the NDIA’s home and living supports request form.
For more information, we encourage you to visit the NDIS specialist disability accommodation webpage.
With more than 50 years of experience, Melba is a registered NDIS provider of tailored disability support services across Victoria.
We do things differently at Melba, we call it The Melba Way. At the heart of The Melba Way is recognising every person as unique, with your own personality, interests and abilities. We take the time to really get to know you and celebrate what makes you who you are. This understanding shapes our approach, ensuring the support we provide always fits your needs and lifestyle.
If you are looking for respite services for yourself or someone else, we’re here to walk you through the process.
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SDA is available to NDIS participants with higher support needs. To be eligible, you must show that SDA will make daily life easier, and that it’s considered a ‘reasonable and necessary’ support, for you to live the life you want.
Yes, you can live alone in SDA housing if that is what’s best for you. Your NDIS plan and housing type plays a major part in whether you live independently or share with others.
SDA is funding for the house itself and covers the design and accessibility features. SIL (supported independent living) is separate funding that covers the daily support services you receive at home.
An accredited SDA assessor, such as an occupational therapist will review your situation and recommend the right design category for you to live safely and independently. You can also discuss your options with your my NDIS contact.