Disability Housing Options in Australia
Finding suitable housing is an important part of ensuring a high quality of life for those living with a disability. In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers various supports to help individuals access the right living arrangements. Whether it’s accessible housing, assistance with home modifications, or a more specialised option like Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), there’s several options to explore.
General disability housing options
For those living with a disability, the housing landscape includes a range of living solutions designed to meet varying needs. Two of the most common options include:
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Accessible private housing: This involves modifying an existing home or purchasing a home that is designed to accommodate mobility, sensory or cognitive disabilities. Modifications range from the likes of installing ramps and handrails, to wider doorways, accessible bathrooms and kitchens, and much more.
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Public and community housing: Our Australian states and territories offer disability-friendly public or community housing to meet accessibility needs. These properties are designed with features like step-free access and accessible layouts to support those with physical or mobility impairments.
NDIS support for housing
NDIS home and living supports is open to a broad range of NDIS participants who need support to live independently. It helps those with disabilities access suitable housing and provides funding for things like home modifications and daily living expenses. Through the NDIS, participants can assess housing-related supports such as:
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Home modifications: This is for people whose current living environment is not suited to their needs. The NDIS may provide funding for home modifications which could be ramps, stairlifts and accessible bathrooms, as a few examples.
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Assistance with daily living: The NDIS also offers assistance with daily tasks such as cleaning, meal preparation and personal care to ensure participants can continue living independently in their homes.
Read more about what home and living supports the NDIS funds.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
SDA refers to housing that has been specifically designed for people who require specialised living environments and support to live independently. SDA housing is built to be highly accessible, featuring assistive technology, hoists, and automated doors to give a few examples. Essentially, the SDA is for NDIS participants with higher and more complex support needs.
Unlike NDIS funding, SDA funding is specifically for the property, and is paid directly to the SDA provider. Participants then pay a reasonable rent contribution and other day to day living costs such as electricity bills.
Who is eligible for the SDA?
SDA is not available to all NDIS participants. As touched on, individuals must have significant functional impairments or high support needs that cannot be met by standard housing or modifications. Eligibility is assessed based on an individual’s unique circumstance, and applicants must submit evidence, including:
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NDIS Supporting Evidence Form – Home and Living
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Occupational Therapist Functional Assessment
Read more about specialist disability accommodation, including vacancies.
Whether you’re seeking accessible private housing, home modifications to suit, or specialist accommodation for higher support needs, there’s a variety of options available through the NDIS. With a little research and support, those with disabilities can find the right living arrangements to suit their needs, promote independence and improve overall wellbeing.
We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through your housing journey. At CareMatch, we not only offer accessible respite accommodation in the heart of Broadbeach, Gold Coast, but we also partner with Accessible Homes Australia – a leader in creating and managing accessible homes embedded within everyday communities. Their innovative approach ensures that people living with disabilities have access to thoughtfully designed homes that foster both independence and inclusion. As you explore your housing options, we highly recommend considering their services to help meet your unique needs.