What is SDA?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to housing designed for individuals with high support needs or extreme functional impairment.
It is intended for people who require:

• specialised housing design
• high levels of support
• environments that improve safety and independence

SDA funding is separate from general NDIS supports and requires clear supporting evidence.

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What is an SDA Assessment?

​An SDA assessment provides detailed evidence about:

• a person’s functional capacity
• support needs
• environmental requirements
• risks associated with current or unsuitable housing

​It helps determine whether SDA is reasonable and necessary under the NDIS.

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Why Behaviour Support is important in SDA

Behaviour is often a key factor in SDA applications.

​This may include:

• behaviours of concern impacting safety
• risk to self or others
• difficulty managing in standard housing environments
• need for structured or specialised environments
• impact of environment on emotional regulation

Behaviour support input strengthens SDA applications by clearly linking:

Behaviour → Environment → Support needs → Housing requirements

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What our SDA Assessments include

Our approach integrates behaviour, function, and environment.

Functional Assessment

• daily living skills
• independence levels
• mobility and access needs
• cognitive and communication factors

Behaviour Support Considerations

• behaviours of concern
• emotional regulation difficulties
• triggers linked to environment
• need for structured or predictable environments

Risk Assessment

• risks in current living environment
• safety concerns
• potential for escalation
• environmental hazards

Learn more about PBS Risk Assessment

Environmental Needs Analysis

• what housing features are required
• why standard housing may not be suitable
• how SDA may improve outcomes

Report & Recommendations

• clear, structured report
• aligned with NDIS requirements
• evidence-based recommendations
• support for SDA application or review

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Who may need an SDA Assessment?

SDA assessments may be appropriate for individuals who:

• have high support needs
• experience complex behaviours
• require specialised housing design
• are unable to live safely in standard housing
• are transitioning to supported accommodation
• require SIL or higher-level supports

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SDA, SIL & Behaviour Support

SDA is often considered alongside:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Behaviour Support Plans
• Risk Assessments
• Functional Capacity Assessments

These work together to provide a complete picture of support needs.

Learn more about Behaviour Support Plans

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How Belong Health Can Help

At Belong Health, we provide SDA-related assessments with a strong focus on:
✔ behaviour support
✔ functional capacity
✔ risk and safety
✔ real-world environments

​We work with:

• participants and families
• support coordinators
• plan managers
• allied health teams

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Broader Allied Health Support

Where appropriate, SDA assessments may align with:

• Occupational Therapy input
• Functional assessments
• environmental recommendations

Learn more about OT SDA Assessments

Learn more about Functional Capacity Assessments

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GETTING STARTED
​
If you are exploring SDA funding or have been advised to obtain an assessment:

• we can help clarify what is required
• we provide structured, NDIS-aligned reports
• we work collaboratively with your support team

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​Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email

free 20min PBS Session
with our PBS Specialist for ages 0-65+

Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.

Connect with Belong Health to experience personalised PBS services in the Peel Region, Perth Metro or via Telehealth Across Australia.
Our Free Connect PBS session with a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner  is designed to address your unique needs and empower you or your family.
​Secure your spot today and discover how our team can help you thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions SDA & Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
​
What is an SDA assessment?
​An SDA assessment gathers evidence about whether a person may require Specialist Disability Accommodation due to extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.

What does SDA stand for in the NDIS?
SDA stands for Specialist Disability Accommodation. It refers to specialised housing for eligible NDIS participants with significant functional impairment or very high support needs.

Who is eligible for SDA funding?
SDA funding is for participants who meet strict eligibility criteria related to extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. The NDIA determines eligibility based on evidence and functional impact.

Do I qualify for SDA?
You may qualify for SDA if your support needs cannot be met through standard housing or home modifications. An assessment can help provide supporting evidence for the NDIA.

What are SDA requirements?SDA requirements relate to both participant eligibility and the dwelling. SDA housing must meet NDIS design standards and align with the person’s support needs.

What are the 4 types of SDA?
The main SDA design categories are Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, High Physical Support, and Robust.

What is the difference between SIL and SDA?
SDA refers to the physical housing, while SIL (Supported Independent Living) refers to support services. A person may have one, both, or neither depending on their needs.

Do you pay rent in SDA?
Yes. Participants usually contribute a reasonable rent and daily living costs, while SDA funding contributes to the specialised housing component.

How long can you live in supported accommodation?
This depends on the individual’s needs, NDIS plan, and housing arrangements. Reviews may occur when circumstances or goals change.

What is a PBS assessment?
A PBS assessment is a Positive Behaviour Support assessment that helps understand behaviours of concern and identify strategies to improve quality of life, safety, and participation.

What does PBS stand for in disability support?
​PBS stands for Positive Behaviour Support. It is a person-centred approach focused on understanding behaviour and reducing restrictive practices.

What are the main steps of Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS typically involves understanding the person, identifying triggers and needs, developing strategies, teaching skills, supporting carers, and reviewing progress over time.

What are the stages of PBS?
Stages may include referral, assessment, Functional Behaviour Assessment, plan development, implementation, training, monitoring, and review.

What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)?
An FBA explores factors contributing to behaviour, such as communication needs, sensory differences, environment, routines, and what happens before and after behaviour.

What does a good PBS plan look like?
A good PBS plan is person-centred, practical, and easy to follow. It outlines triggers, strategies, communication supports, skill development, and review processes.

What are the key components of a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan may include strengths, goals, triggers, functions of behaviour, proactive strategies, skill-building supports, response strategies, and review recommendations.

What are the key values of Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS promotes dignity, choice, quality of life, inclusion, safety, communication, skill development, and reduction of restrictive practices.

What are restrictive practices in behaviour support?
Restrictive practices are interventions that limit a person’s rights or movement. Their use is regulated and should focus on reduction and elimination.

Who can write an NDIS Behaviour Support Plan?
Behaviour Support Plans should be developed by a qualified behaviour support practitioner who meets NDIS capability requirements.

What are the levels of behaviour support practitioners?
The NDIS Capability Framework outlines different practitioner levels based on skills, knowledge, and experience.

Can an SDA assessment and PBS assessment work together?
Yes. Behaviour support, environmental needs, and safety considerations may all contribute to understanding suitable housing options.

Can behaviour support help with SDA housing evidence?
Behaviour support may provide information about environmental triggers, safety needs, and support requirements relevant to housing decisions. SDA eligibility is determined by the NDIA.

Can Belong Health help with SDA and Behaviour Support assessments?
Belong Health can support participants by completing assessments, identifying support needs, and providing recommendations related to housing, behaviour support, safety, and daily living.

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