When planning an SDA design, there are many variables. The size of the accommodation, the number of bedrooms, and bathrooms, and, most importantly, the needs of the client. SDA accommodation must factor in their physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

For example, a client who uses a wheelchair will require wide hallways, grab and guardrails, adjustments to kitchens and bathrooms, and a single storey building. While a client who has mental health and behavioural challenges, may require the materials used within the home to be safe and sturdy.

Regardless of the unique requirements of the client, the end objective is the same – security, stability, accessibility, and independence, while not compromising on design and style aesthetics. Factors to consider include the planning of the environment, internally and externally, and developing the design to meet the client’s needs.

And when all factors are considered, the resulting accommodation is not just a house, a roof over someone head, it is creating a quality of life, a safe and secure home, a place to establish roots and to feel comfortable, protected, and sheltered.

The guidelines are very clear:

There are 4 categories of SDA design, as set out in the SDA Rules (2020):

• Improved liveability
• robust
  
• fully accessible
  
• high physical support

You can find a detailed outline on the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standard (PDF 8.39MB) with design requirements for newly built SDA seeking enrolment under the NDIS.

While the SDA Design Standard (July 2021) has helped to clarify design requirements, provider confidence and compliance, by giving:

• participants access to high-quality housing models
• providers flexibility to respond to participant needs and preferences
  
• architects, builders, and the community information about how housing for people with disability should be built.

Key design elements to be considered include:

• Type of building
• Site selection
  
• Site access and safety
  
• Outdoor spaces
  
• Colours and furnishings
  
• Living areas
  
• Kitchen and meal preparation & serving, areas
  
• Bedrooms
  
• Bathrooms and laundry
  
• Walls, ceilings, and windows
  
• Doors, gates, and locks
  
• Corridors and flooring
  
• Lighting and electrical equipment

 Other factors to be considered include noise/surroundings to minimise triggers for hypersensitive clients (persons with Autism, PTSD etc), and hypo-sensitive clients, (persons who may NOT feel pain or extreme temperatures, or who have a reduced awareness of their body).

When designing a robust environment, potential triggers could include:

• noise
• location
• temperature
• overcrowding
• enclosed spaces
• dark or bright rooms
• materials or objects in the environment

Considerations regarding outdoor spaces, the positioning and types of plants, materials and furnishings used, and the security, fencing, gates etc.

When designing and building an SDA home, there is no one-size-fits-all, which is why, it is crucial to work with a NDIS accredited Team, such as Melbourne Building Works. The result isn’t just bricks, mortar, Grab Rails and Anti-Scolding Devices , the result is independence, shelter, and protection.

If you have any questions, or are looking to create SDA standard accommodation, our experienced Team are keen to help. Please call us on 1300 020 382 or contact us HERE.