An SDA assessment gathers the evidence the NDIS needs to consider funding for specialist disability accommodation. SDA is housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, and it may be considered when other home and living supports do not meet a person's disability needs. An occupational therapist often contributes a large part of that evidence by describing how the person manages daily activities and what their home environment needs to provide.
This guide explains what SDA is, what an OT assessment for SDA usually looks at, and how to prepare. Only some of Ergo Therapy Group's OTs complete SDA work, so please confirm clinician fit and availability for your address before booking.
What SDA is and is not
The NDIS describes SDA as a range of housing with features that meet disability support needs, such as wide doorways, wheelchair-accessible kitchen benches, ceiling hoists or button-operated doors. There are four design categories:
- Improved liveability, for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment.
- Fully accessible, for people with significant physical impairment.
- Robust, for people who may need a very durable and safe environment.
- High physical support, for people who need a high level of physical access and support.
SDA is the home itself. It does not include personal care, supported independent living (SIL), individualised living options or assistive technology. Many participants in SDA also have SIL funding for their support workers, and they pay a reasonable rent contribution and day-to-day living costs. Our SIL vs SDA guide explains the difference in more detail.
What the OT assessment looks at
The NDIA needs to understand why SDA, and which design category, is reasonable and necessary for the person compared with other home and living options. An OT assessment for SDA typically considers:
- How the person manages daily activities such as personal care, mobility, meal preparation and community access.
- The level and type of support needed, including overnight support.
- Whether the current home can meet those needs, with or without modifications or assistive technology.
- Which building features would make supports safer or more effective, and why.
- The person's goals and preferences for where and how they live, including who they live with.
The report should link each recommended feature to a functional need. A general statement that a person "needs SDA" is far less useful than a clear explanation of, for example, why a ceiling hoist and accessible bathroom are needed for safe transfers.
Exploring alternatives is part of the evidence
The NDIS looks at how SDA fits with a participant's other supports and whether alternatives have been considered. An honest assessment may conclude that home modifications, assistive technology or a different living arrangement could meet the person's needs. That is still useful evidence. Our home and living assessment page covers broader assessments where the right housing option is not yet clear.
Preparing for an SDA assessment
Gather what you can before the first visit:
- The current NDIS plan and any home and living goals.
- Previous OT, physiotherapy, behaviour support or medical reports, with consent.
- Details of current supports, including overnight support.
- Information about the current home and why it is or is not working.
- Any letters from the NDIA requesting further information.
The person should be at the centre of the assessment. Family, carers and support coordinators can contribute with the person's agreement, but their views should not replace the person's own preferences.
After the report
The completed report is usually submitted to the NDIA with other supporting evidence. The NDIA makes the funding decision, including the design category. Ergo cannot promise an outcome, a particular property or a time frame. If SDA is funded, participants can search for vacancies through the NDIS SDA finder and must record their SDA provider on their plan.
Common questions
Who can complete an SDA assessment?
The NDIS commonly relies on evidence from an occupational therapist, alongside other reports. Ask the planner or support coordinator what evidence your situation needs.
Does an SDA assessment include a SIL assessment?
They are different questions, although they are often considered together. Tell us if you need both so the scope can be agreed in advance.
How long does an SDA assessment take?
It depends on complexity, the information available and the report required. Ask for a written estimate covering assessment, report writing and travel before booking.
Can you guarantee SDA funding?
No. The OT provides evidence. Funding decisions are made by the NDIA.
Make a referral with the participant's goals, current living situation and any NDIA request, and we will confirm clinician fit and availability.