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Fully Accessible SDA Housing in Melbourne
Fully Accessible SDA housing is designed for NDIS participants who need substantial physical accessibility built into their home. The design focuses on making everyday areas such as entrances, bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces easier to access and use.
Hilda Care owns and manages Fully Accessible SDA homes across Melbourne. If you have SDA funding or are exploring whether this type of housing suits your needs, we can help you understand the available properties and arrange a viewing where there is a suitable home.
What Is Fully Accessible SDA?
Fully Accessible is one of the four NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation design categories. It is intended for participants who require a high level of physical accessibility in their home.
This category differs from simply advertising a property as “accessible” or “wheelchair friendly”. An SDA property must meet the applicable SDA Design Standard requirements and be enrolled with the NDIS before it can be used as SDA.
The design is focused on practical access throughout the home, including:
- Step-free access into the dwelling
- Accessible paths through the important areas of the home
- Doorways and circulation areas designed for mobility equipment
- Accessible bathroom facilities
- Kitchen areas designed around physical accessibility
- Suitable flooring and accessible fittings
- Features that allow a participant to move around and use the home more independently
The exact layout and features still vary between properties. A Fully Accessible SDA home should therefore be assessed as an individual property rather than relying only on the category name.
Fully Accessible Does Not Mean Every Home Looks the Same
Two Fully Accessible SDA homes can have very different layouts.
One property may be a single-level home with generous internal circulation, while another could have a different floor plan, outdoor area, bedroom arrangement or kitchen configuration.
What matters is whether the specific property works for your needs.
For example, someone using a larger power wheelchair may need more turning space than someone using a smaller mobility aid. Bathroom transfer requirements can also differ between participants.
That is why seeing the property in person before deciding is important.
Is Fully Accessible SDA the Right Category for You?
Fully Accessible SDA is generally relevant when your disability creates significant physical access requirements that need to be addressed through your home’s design.
It can be suitable for participants who need:
- Step-free entry and movement around the home
- Accessible bathroom facilities
- More space for a wheelchair or mobility equipment
- Kitchen features that can be used from a seated position
- Accessible circulation between bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas
- A home designed around long-term physical accessibility requirements
Using a wheelchair does not automatically mean you need High Physical Support SDA.
Some wheelchair users have needs that are well suited to Fully Accessible housing, while others require the additional design features provided under High Physical Support.
The SDA category is based on individual circumstances and housing requirements, rather than simply the type of mobility equipment someone uses.
Fully Accessible vs High Physical Support SDA
The two categories are closely related, which is why they are often confused.
Fully Accessible SDA focuses on substantial physical accessibility throughout the home.
High Physical Support SDA builds on the Fully Accessible requirements and adds further design features for participants with very high physical support needs.
| Fully Accessible | High Physical Support |
|---|---|
| Substantial physical accessibility | Very high physical support requirements |
| Step-free access | Includes Fully Accessible requirements |
| Accessible circulation | Additional structural provisions |
| Accessible bathroom and kitchen | Designed for more intensive physical support |
| Suitable for a range of mobility needs | Additional features such as structural provision for ceiling hoists |
| Focus on physical access and usability | Focus on access plus intensive physical support requirements |
The correct category depends on the participant’s assessed needs.
If you’re unsure whether Fully Accessible or High Physical Support is more appropriate, your occupational therapist and NDIS support team can help establish what housing features are required.
Hilda Care Fully Accessible SDA Homes in Melbourne
Hilda Care owns and manages Fully Accessible SDA properties across Melbourne.
Our focus is on providing specialist housing that works as a real home, not simply a property that meets a category description.
Current Robust SDA Vacancies
Availability changes as homes become available, and new properties are enrolled.
Our available properties are shown below.
What Is Included in Your SDA Funding?
SDA funding is for the specialist housing itself. It does not pay for the support workers who assist you with daily activities.
Your different supports can include:
- SDA: Pays the SDA provider for the specialist dwelling.
- SIL: Provides Supported Independent Living supports where these are included in your NDIS plan.
- Other NDIS supports: Personal care, community participation and other approved supports are funded separately according to your plan.
- Everyday living costs: Rent contributions, food, electricity and other ordinary living expenses are separate from SDA funding.
You can have SDA without SIL, and SIL without SDA. Your housing and support arrangements are separate, even when you receive both.
What Do You Pay to Live in SDA?
SDA funding does not mean you live in the property without any personal housing costs.
Participants generally pay a Reasonable Rent Contribution to their SDA provider, along with other ordinary living expenses.
The NDIS sets limits around the amount that can be charged as a reasonable rent contribution. Because these figures can change, always use the current NDIS pricing information rather than relying on an old fixed amount.
Your plan manager, support coordinator or NDIS representative can also help you understand how your housing costs fit with your individual circumstances.
Your Current Home May Not Be the Only Option
Sometimes an existing home can be made accessible through NDIS Home Modifications.
This can be suitable when relatively contained changes can solve the problem, such as:
- Installing a ramp
- Adding grab rails
- Modifying a bathroom
- Improving access through an entrance
- Making other approved changes to an existing home
SDA can be a different solution when the property itself cannot reasonably be adapted.
For example, the existing home may have:
- A layout that cannot accommodate your wheelchair
- Major structural barriers
- No practical way to create step-free access
- A rental arrangement that prevents significant modifications
- A bathroom or kitchen that cannot be adapted sufficiently
- Long-term accessibility requirements that are better addressed through purpose-designed housing
An occupational therapist can assess your current home and help identify the housing features you require.
Finding the Right Fully Accessible SDA Home
The SDA category is only the starting point.
The property itself needs to work for your everyday life.
Check the Entrance and Internal Access
Look at how you enter the property and move between rooms.
Check whether the doorway widths, turning areas, corridors and room layouts work with your wheelchair or mobility equipment.
Look Closely at the Bathroom
Think about your actual routine rather than simply asking whether the bathroom is “accessible”.
Consider:
- Shower access
- Transfer space
- Toilet positioning
- Sink access
- Grab rails and other fittings
- Space for assistance if required
Think About the Kitchen
If cooking is important to you, look at whether you can comfortably reach and use the main kitchen areas.
Bench height, sink position, appliance placement and circulation space can all make a difference.
Check the Area Around the Home
Accessibility doesn’t stop at the front door.
Consider:
- Footpaths
- Public transport
- Parking
- Shops
- Medical and allied health services
- Family access
- Community facilities
- Your usual appointments and activities
A highly accessible home in an inconvenient location may not work well for your daily routine.
Consider the Living Arrangement
Some SDA properties are shared, and others provide single-occupancy arrangements.
If you are considering a shared property, ask about the household arrangement and, where possible, meet prospective housemates.
Your comfort with the people you live with can be just as important as the physical features of the property.
Your SDA Home and Your Support Provider Are Separate
Choosing an SDA property does not mean you have to use the same organisation for all of your supports. SDA relates to the specialist housing.
Your SIL, personal care, community participation and other supports are separate arrangements based on your individual NDIS plan and needs.
This means you can consider the property based on whether it works for you as a home, while your support arrangements are considered separately.
What Happens After You Contact Hilda Care?
1. Tell Us What You Need
We’ll ask about your current housing, accessibility requirements, preferred location, and the type of property you’re looking for.
2. Tell Us Where Your SDA Funding Stands
If SDA is already included in your plan, we’ll work from that information. If you’re still exploring your options, we’ll explain what we can and where you may need to speak with your NDIS support team.
3. We Look at Available Homes
We’ll check the Fully Accessible SDA properties currently available through Hilda Care.
4. View a Suitable Property
If there is a suitable match, we’ll arrange a property viewing so you can see the home for yourself.
5. You Decide
Take time to consider the property, ask questions, and understand the agreement before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fully Accessible SDA?
Fully Accessible SDA is one of the four NDIS SDA design categories. It is designed for participants who need substantial physical accessibility built into their home, including accessible entry, circulation, bathrooms and other key areas.
Do I need to use a wheelchair for Fully Accessible SDA?
No. Wheelchair use is not the only factor considered. SDA eligibility is based on individual functional needs and the participant’s housing requirements.
What features does Fully Accessible SDA have?
Fully Accessible SDA homes are designed around physical accessibility. Depending on the property, features can include step-free access, accessible circulation areas, accessible bathrooms and kitchens, and suitable fittings and surfaces. Always check the exact features against the individual property.
Is Fully Accessible SDA the same as wheelchair-accessible housing?
No. A property being advertised as wheelchair accessible does not automatically make it SDA.
SDA properties must meet the relevant SDA requirements and be enrolled under the NDIS SDA framework.
What is the difference between Fully Accessible and High Physical Support SDA?
Fully Accessible SDA is designed around substantial physical accessibility. High Physical Support includes the Fully Accessible requirements and additional design features for participants with very high physical support needs.
Can I get Fully Accessible SDA if I already live in my own home?
Possibly, depending on your circumstances and NDIS eligibility. If your existing property can be made suitable through approved home modifications, that may be an option. If the property cannot reasonably meet your long-term accessibility needs, SDA may be considered as another housing option.
Can I choose my own SIL provider in Fully Accessible SDA?
Yes. SDA and SIL are separate supports. Your SDA provider provides the specialist housing, while SIL is a separate support arrangement based on your individual needs and NDIS funding.
Where can I find Fully Accessible SDA homes in Melbourne?
Hilda Care owns and manages Fully Accessible SDA properties across selected Melbourne suburbs. Availability changes as properties become available and are tenanted. Contact Hilda Care on 1300 440 777 for current availability.
Can I view a Fully Accessible SDA property before deciding?
Yes. If a suitable property is available, Hilda Care can arrange a viewing so you can see the home and assess whether it meets your needs before deciding.
How do I enquire about Fully Accessible SDA in Melbourne?
Call 1300 440 777 or submit an enquiry through the website. We’ll discuss your requirements and current availability and arrange a viewing where there is a suitable property.
Hilda Care is a registered SDA provider. All properties are enrolled with the NDIS in accordance with the SDA framework.