Changes to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) rules will deliver more flexibility and choice for participants to live with family, friends or partners. The decision means couples can share a bedroom where they choose to and children will be able to share a room with parents or siblings.
SDA is designed for NDIS participants who cannot live in mainstream housing because of extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, but who want to live independently from carers, or whose needs would be best met through SDA.
NDIS Minister Stuart Robert said the changes are another important step towards helping people with disability reach their goals and live independently.
“We are improving the range of options available to participants who have SDA in their NDIS plans, while also stimulating growth in the SDA housing market.”
He said the changes are intended to improve choice for eligible NDIS participants, build market confidence and drive stronger investment in SDA across Australia.
Today’s announcement also builds on changes being made as part of the government’s plan to deliver the NDIS, particularly for better long term outcomes, and follows earlier government announcements for a new SDA Design Standard and an SDA Innovation Plan.
It is estimated that six per cent, or around 28,000 NDIS participants, will have SDA in their plans when the scheme reaches maturity.
For more information, visit www.ndis.gov.au.