For people with disabilities, finding a home isn’t just about having a roof over their heads. It’s about finding a place that works for them, where they can move around easily, live independently and feel safe.
Things like a step-free entrance, wider doorways or an accessible bathroom might sound like small details, but for someone with a disability, they make all the difference. Yet, the reality is that most homes out there just aren’t designed with these needs in mind.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS, is all about helping people with disabilities live the best life they can, and that includes making sure they have the right kind of disability accommodation.
Whether it’s changing up an existing home to make it more accessible or helping someone find a new place that’s already set up to meet their needs, the NDIS is there to help. They provide the funding and support to make it all happen, so people aren’t left struggling on their own.
In this guide, we’ll go through the different housing options available through the NDIS, breaking it all down into simple terms so you can see how this support can help turn a difficult search into a successful one.
Housing Options Provided by the NDIS
Here are the top housing options the NDIS offers to people living with a disability:
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
First up, we have Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA. This is housing designed specifically for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairments.
We’re talking about homes that are built or modified with accessibility in mind right from the start. These homes typically have features like reinforced walls for hoists, smart home technology, or even homes located close to essential services and transport options.
SDA homes are perfect for people who need a lot of support but still want to live in a place that feels like their own. These homes help individuals maintain a sense of independence because they are designed around the specific needs of the residents.
People who benefit most from SDA are those with significant physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or other complex needs that require a home built to meet these challenges.
By living in an SDA home, individuals are empowered to live as independently as possible, knowing that their home is set up to support them every step of the way.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Next, we have Supported Independent Living or SIL. SIL is all about giving people with disabilities the support they need to live as independently as they can. This support usually comes in the form of help with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or managing personal care.
This housing option is especially suitable for those who might not need the specialised setup of SDA but still benefit from having regular support.
The beauty of SIL is that it’s flexible. The level of support is tailored to what you need, so whether you need a lot of help or just a little, it’s there when you need it.
SIL empowers individuals by giving them the chance to live in a home environment where they can build routines, develop skills, and be part of a community.
Also Read: Supported Independent Living (SIL): Empowering Individuals with Disabilities
Home Modifications
Sometimes, the best place to live is the home you’re already in, but it might need some changes to make it work better for you. Home modifications are all about adapting your current home to meet your needs.
This could mean adding grab rails in the bathroom, widening doorways to fit a wheelchair, or installing a ramp so you can easily get in and out of your house. These changes might seem small, but they can make a huge difference in how you live your day-to-day life.
Home modifications are a great option for people who want to stay in their familiar surroundings but need their space to be more accessible. It’s perfect for those who might not need to move into an SDA home but still need their current home to be safer and easier to navigate.
The real power of home modifications lies in how they let you keep your independence in a place that’s already home to you.
Your NDIS SIL providers will assess your homes and recommend the best forms of modifications that could make your living conditions the best they have ever been.
With the right adjustments, your home can continue to be a space where you feel comfortable, secure, and able to live your life on your own terms.