SDA Design Categories Explained: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, High Physical Support

What are SDA Design Categories?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is categorised into four design categories under the NDIS. Each category has specific design standards that the dwelling must meet to be enrolled as SDA. The category determines the level of physical support the dwelling provides to the participant.

The four SDA design categories are:

1. Improved Liveability
2. Fully Accessible
3. Robust
4. High Physical Support

A dwelling can be enrolled under one or more categories. For example, a dwelling might be both Fully Accessible and Robust.

1. Improved Liveability

Improved Liveability (IL) dwellings are designed to provide a reasonable level of physical access and enhanced provision for people with sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairment.

Key features may include:

• Enhanced wayfinding and signage
• Improved lighting and contrast
• Fixed or adjustable window coverings
• Sound attenuation for noise sensitivity
• Clear and defined circulation spaces

Who is it for? Improved Liveability is typically for participants with intellectual, sensory, or cognitive impairment who benefit from a more legible and predictable living environment, but who do not require high physical support.

2. Fully Accessible

Fully Accessible (FA) dwellings are designed to provide a high level of physical access for people with significant physical impairment.

Key features include:

• Step-free entry and throughout the dwelling
• Wide doorways and corridors
• Fully accessible bathroom with roll-in shower
• Accessible kitchen with adjustable benchtops
• Easy-reach switches, powerpoints, and controls
• Circulation spaces that accommodate wheelchair use

Who is it for? Fully Accessible is for participants who use a wheelchair or have significant physical mobility impairment, but who do not require the structural features of High Physical Support.

3. Robust

Robust dwellings are designed to be resilient to damage and provide a safe home for participants with complex behaviours, including behaviours that may cause harm to themselves or others, or cause damage to the dwelling.

Key features include:

• High-impact resistant wall, door, and window finishes
• Secure fixtures and fittings
• Separation of spaces to reduce conflict
• Additional sound attenuation
• Safe and secure outdoor areas
• Consideration for staff safety (if overnight support is provided)

Who is it for? Robust is for participants with complex behavioural support needs who may cause damage to the dwelling or who need a more resilient environment. It is often combined with Positive Behaviour Support Plans.

4. High Physical Support

High Physical Support (HPS) dwellings are the highest level of SDA design, providing the maximum level of physical access and structural provisions for people with very high physical support needs.

Key features include:

• All features of Fully Accessible, plus:
• Ceiling hoist tracking (or provision for future installation)
• Backup power supply for critical equipment
• Assistive technology readiness
• Smart home automation capability
• Emergency call system
• Medical-grade power supply
• Structural reinforcement for ceiling hoists

Who is it for? High Physical Support is for participants with very high physical support needs, such as those who use a ceiling hoist, require powered mobility equipment, or need continuous monitoring and emergency response.

SDA vs SIL: Understanding the difference

A common question is the difference between SDA and SIL:

• SDA funds the dwelling — the physical house, built or modified to the design category standards
• SIL funds the support workers — the people who provide daily living assistance

A participant can have SDA funding, SIL funding, or both. Many participants in SDA housing also receive SIL support. Learn more about SIL on our Supported Independent Living page.

How to find SDA housing

Search SDA properties on Housing Match and filter by SDA design category. Each listing shows:

• The SDA design categories the dwelling is enrolled under
• Accessibility features
• Smart home features
• Emergency systems
• The SDA provider
• Nearby amenities (transport, hospitals, parks)

SDA in your area

We have dedicated location pages for SDA housing:

• SDA Housing in Newcastle
• SDA Housing on the Central Coast

SDA eligibility

To be eligible for SDA funding, a participant must:

1. Have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs
2. Have this assessed and documented in an OT or functional capacity assessment
3. Be approved for SDA funding in their NDIS plan

SDA is only for a small percentage of NDIS participants (approximately 6%). The NDIA assesses eligibility based on the participant's functional impairment and support needs, not their diagnosis.

SDA funding and payments

SDA funding is paid to the SDA provider (the dwelling owner), not directly to the participant. The participant pays a rent contribution from their own income or through Rental Assistance.

The SDA payment amount depends on:

• The design category (HPS pays the most, IL pays the least)
• The location tier (metro, regional, remote)
• The building type (house, apartment, duplex, etc.)
• The stock classification (new build, existing stock, legacy)
• Whether GST input tax credits were claimed

Search SDA properties on Housing Match to find available homes.

Finding an SDA provider

Browse SDA providers in our directory and filter by service type 'SDA Provider'. Look for providers with experience in your specific design category and disability type.

Privacy and consent

Housing Match protects your privacy. Our AI compatibility matching uses de-identified data, and your consent is managed through a permanent, event-based ledger. Learn more in our Trust Centre.

Frequently asked questions

Can a dwelling have more than one design category? Yes. A dwelling can be enrolled under multiple categories. For example, a dwelling might be both Robust and Fully Accessible.

What is the difference between Fully Accessible and High Physical Support? High Physical Support includes all features of Fully Accessible, plus additional structural provisions like ceiling hoist tracking, backup power, and assistive technology readiness.

Do I need SIL to live in SDA? Not necessarily. Some participants in SDA housing manage their own support independently or use a combination of in-home supports, community access, and other services. However, many SDA residents also receive SIL.

Who pays for SDA? SDA payments are made by the NDIA to the SDA provider (dwelling owner). The participant pays a rent contribution from their own income.

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This article is for general information and does not constitute advice. For personalised guidance on SDA eligibility, speak to your Support Coordinator or an Occupational Therapist.