SDA Design Categories Explained: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust and HPS

If you've been approved for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), your NDIS plan will name a design category. It tells you what kind of features your home needs to have.

There are four SDA design categories. Here's what each one means, in plain English.

1. Improved Liveability

Who it's for: people with a sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment.

Improved Liveability homes are designed to be easier to understand and move around. Features can include:

• good lighting and clear colour contrast
• simple, logical layouts and clear sightlines
• design that reduces noise and confusion

2. Fully Accessible

Who it's for: people with a significant physical impairment, including many wheelchair users.

Fully Accessible homes have a high level of physical access, such as:

• step-free entry and wide doorways
• accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers
• kitchens and benches designed for wheelchair users

3. Robust

Who it's for: people with complex behaviours who need a home that's safe and hard-wearing.

Robust homes are built to reduce the risk of harm to residents, staff and neighbours. Features can include:

• strong, impact-resistant walls, doors and fittings
• secure spaces and areas to retreat to
• layouts that support calm and reduce triggers

4. High Physical Support (HPS)

Who it's for: people with very high physical support needs.

HPS homes include everything in Fully Accessible, plus extra features such as:

• structural support for ceiling hoists
• emergency power backup
• space and wiring for assistive technology
• room for support workers to assist safely

Nobility Care Australia has High Physical Support SDA homes in Blacktown, in Western Sydney.

How is my design category decided?

Your occupational therapist will assess your needs and recommend a design category and building type in their SDA report. The NDIA then decides what's reasonable and necessary for you. You can only use SDA funding for a home that matches the design category (or a suitable alternative) in your plan.

Building types

Alongside the design category, your plan will also name a building type: an apartment; a villa, duplex or townhouse; a house; or a group home. Together, these shape where you can live and how many people you'll share with.

Looking for SDA in NSW?

Read our complete guide to SDA in NSW, browse current vacancies, or contact our team on 02 4623 0500.