Maeve
Having a place to call home means more than living in just four walls. It’s about feeling safe, heard, supported and able to live life on your own terms.
Now, for people living with disability, this can look a little different, and that’s exactly where disability housing comes in.
In Australia, there’s a strong focus on making housing more accessible, inclusive and flexible. Thanks to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and registered providers who genuinely care, differently-abled individuals now have more options than ever before. However, if you’re new to the system, it can be a bit to take in. The NDIS ecosystem is vast and overwhelming, and you might find it difficult to make an informed choice.
Luckily, we’ve created this small guide to walk you through the basics. You’ll learn who disability housing is for, how it differs from regular accommodation and what supports like SIL and SDA actually mean. Let’s dive in.
What is Disability Housing Under NDIS?
Disability housing refers to accommodation options built specifically for individuals who need support due to a physical, intellectual or psychosocial disability.
Unlike regular rentals, these homes are designed to support everyday life – whether that’s with physical accessibility features, shared support services or tailored environments for special or complex needs. Here, participants can live more independently, with greater confidence and control.
How does disability housing differ from regular accommodation?
For individuals with disabilities, simple tasks like navigating narrow doorways, reaching for high cupboards or answering the door can turn daily routines into insurmountable challenges.
Regular homes aren’t always set up for people with complex support needs. In contrast, disability housing is built with function, safety, and accessibility in mind from the very beginning. Some homes include smart home technology, modified bathrooms and easy-access layouts with ramps. Others are designed for shared living with on-site support staff.
The key intent and difference? Everything is tailored around what the person actually needs – not what’s convenient or ‘normal’ to build.
Understanding Different NDIS Housing Supports – SIL and SDA
There are two main NDIS-funded supports connected to housing: Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
While they often work together, each has its unique importance.
SIL focuses on the support a person needs throughout their day – things like prepping healthy meals, getting ready in the morning, managing medications or learning new life skills. It’s the simple, day-to-day assistance that helps someone live more independently.
SIL can be provided in various settings, including shared homes or individual units.
SDA, on the flip side, is more about the accessibility of the physical building. Specialist Disability Accommodation is designed for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment. These homes are built to specific design standards and offer secured, long-term, purpose-built living. It’s worth noting that not everyone is eligible for SDA, but for those with critical support needs, it can be a very rewarding, life-changing experience.
Who Can Use NDIS Accommodation Options?
The good thing is disability housing isn’t limited to one type of person or disability. It’s for anyone and everyone who, due to their disability or impairment, needs more than what standard accommodation can offer.
This could be someone who requires daily assistance or someone who’s transitioning out of hospital or aged care.
Each person’s circumstances are different, which is why the NDIS provides flexible housing options based on individual goals, abilities and needs.
What to Look for in a Disability-Friendly Home?
When looking for disability housing in Perth WA, it makes sense follow a small checklist:
- Does the home match your unique support needs and lifestyle preferences?
- Is it built to accessibility standards or fully SDA compliant?
- Are the staff well-trained and available when needed?
- Is the environment safe, social, inclusive and respectful?
- Is the location close to your community and transport services?
How to Access Disability Housing Services Through the NDIS
To get housing support through the NDIS, you’ll need to have a housing goal in your plan. From there, assessments and supporting reports help determine what kind of housing you’re eligible for – whether that’s SIL, SDA or both.
It’s not a one-step process. Participants often work with qualified support coordinators, therapists and NDIS planners to make sure the right documentation is in place.
Once approved, you can begin exploring housing providers and available vacancies.
Several reputed disability service providers in Perth offer a range of disability housing options, including tailored SDA housing that reflects the latest standards in accessible design. No matter if you are looking for accommodation in Midland or somewhere near South Lake, you are likely to find a living option that meets your preferences.
Trust Local Disability Services Provider in Perth To Find a Comfortable Accommodation
Choosing the right housing option for someone living with a disability isn’t always simple – but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re exploring SDA housing, looking into shared living arrangements or starting the NDIS process, what matters most is that the home supports the person inside it.
Disability housing in Australia is evolving for the better. With the right support system in place, it can unlock greater independence, confidence and quality of life.
