SIL Assessment & SDA Assessment in Melbourne & Sydney

What Are SIL and SDA?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides participants with assistance to complete daily tasks in their home, enabling them to live as independently as possible. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing designed or modified for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Both SIL and SDA require detailed occupational therapy assessments to establish eligibility and determine the appropriate level of support.

SIL Assessment - Supported Independent Living

A supported independent living assessment is a functional evaluation that establishes a participant's capacity for independent living and the level of support they require. Our occupational therapists conduct each SIL assessment to evaluate the participant's abilities across all areas of daily living and identify the supports needed to live safely in the community. Each SIL assessment report is written to meet the documentation requirements of the NDIS and is suitable for plan reviews, SIL quoting, and provider handovers.

The SIL Assessment Process

A SIL assessment usually begins with a home visit, where the occupational therapist observes the participant completing everyday tasks and discusses their goals with the participant, family, and support team. The therapist uses standardised tools and clinical observation to document daily living skills, support needs, and risks. This often draws on a functional capacity assessment to give a complete picture of the participant's abilities.

Who Needs a SIL Assessment

A SIL assessment is generally relevant for NDIS participants who need regular or daily support to live in shared or individual accommodation, including help with personal care, meal preparation, medication, or overnight supervision. It is commonly requested when a participant is setting up a new living arrangement, moving between providers, or seeking a change to their level of support at a plan review. Eligibility for SIL funding is decided by the NDIS based on the participant's assessed support needs and goals.

• Assessment of personal care, meal preparation, and household management capacity
• Evaluation of overnight support and supervision requirements
• Risk assessment for safety, health management, and community participation
• Detailed support needs analysis with recommended staffing ratios
• Reports suitable for NDIS plan reviews and SIL quoting

SDA Assessment - Specialist Disability Accommodation

A specialist disability accommodation assessment is an occupational therapy housing assessment that evaluates a participant's functional impairment and housing needs. Our occupational therapists prepare detailed SDA assessment reports that address the NDIS SDA eligibility criteria, including evidence of extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, and recommend the most suitable SDA design category for the participant.

The SDA Assessment Process

An SDA assessment involves a detailed review of the participant's functional capacity, current living environment, and the housing features they need to live safely and access support. The occupational therapist gathers clinical evidence, considers any required home modifications, and matches the participant's needs to an SDA design category. The findings are documented in a report that supports the NDIS SDA funding request.

Who Needs an SDA Assessment

An SDA assessment is relevant for NDIS participants with an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs whose housing requirements cannot be met through standard accommodation or home modifications alone. SDA eligibility is determined by the NDIS, and the occupational therapy assessment provides the clinical evidence used to support that decision.

• Functional impairment assessment against NDIS SDA criteria
• Identification of appropriate SDA design category (improved liveability, fully accessible, robust, or high physical support)
• Assessment of current living environment and its suitability
• Evidence-based reporting to support SDA funding requests

Participant Capacity and Support Needs

Understanding a participant's capacity is central to both SIL and SDA assessments. Our occupational therapists use standardised assessment tools and clinical reasoning to build a clear picture of what the participant can do independently, where they need assistance, and how the right living environment and supports can promote greater independence and wellbeing.

SIL and SDA Assessments Across Melbourne

Our occupational therapists deliver SIL and SDA assessments in homes and supported accommodation across Melbourne, including south-east Melbourne, the inner suburbs, and the broader metropolitan area. Attending in person means the assessment captures the participant's real functional capacity and the support environment they live in, rather than relying on second-hand information.

We work with participants preparing for a new SIL arrangement, transitioning between providers, or seeking an SDA funding decision. Reports are typically completed within three to four weeks of the home visit and include the clinical evidence required for NDIS plan reviews and SDA applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SIL and SDA?

Supported independent living (SIL) funds the support workers and assistance a participant needs to complete daily tasks in their home. Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) funds the physical home itself, designed or built for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. A participant may receive SIL only, SDA only, or both, depending on their assessed needs.

Who needs a SIL assessment and who needs an SDA assessment?

A SIL assessment is for participants who need regular support to live independently and want to document the level of assistance required. An SDA assessment is for participants whose disability means standard housing or home modifications are not enough to meet their needs. Some participants need both assessments, as the supports and the housing are funded separately by the NDIS.

What does the OT report include?

The occupational therapy report documents the participant's functional capacity, daily living skills, risks, and support needs. For a SIL assessment it sets out recommended support levels and staffing considerations. For an SDA assessment it addresses the NDIS eligibility criteria and recommends a suitable SDA design category, supported by clinical reasoning and evidence.

How does the assessment support an NDIS plan?

The report provides the clinical evidence the NDIS uses to consider funding for supports or accommodation. It can be used at a plan review, with a SIL quote, or as part of an SDA funding request. The NDIS makes the final funding decision based on the assessment and the participant's goals.

How long does a SIL or SDA assessment take?

The assessment usually involves a home visit followed by report writing. Reports are typically completed within three to four weeks of the home visit, though timeframes can vary with the complexity of the participant's needs and the information available.

NDIS Registered Provider

Ergo Therapy Group is a registered NDIS provider delivering SIL assessments and SDA assessments across Melbourne VIC and Liverpool NSW. We work closely with participants, families, support coordinators, and SIL providers to ensure assessments are thorough and timely. To book a supported independent living assessment or a specialist disability accommodation assessment, you can make a referral or contact our team. You can also call us on 0450 874 303.