Standards + Guidelines
The National Disability Insurance Agency defines Specialist Disability Accommodation as ‘specialist designed housing—including land and built form (user cost of capital)—for NDIS participants requiring integrated housing and supports, due to their significant functional impairment and/or complex needs’(i).
On 14 March 2017 the NDIS (Specialist Disability Accommodation) Rules 2017 (SDA Rules) came into effect(ii). The SDA Rules, together with the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, and the broader NDIS Rules under the Act, establish the framework for providing SDA to participants within the NDIS. This framework includes standards, guidelines, and annual price guides relating to SDA(iii),(iv). When making decisions about SDA, it is very important to access current and specific information regarding state and national requirements. More generally, some key things to consider are listed below.
ii. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/F2017L00209
iii. https://www.ndis.gov.au/specialist-disability-accommodation
iv. http://www.livablehousingaustralia.org.au/117/about-the-guidelines.aspx
1 | Shared land restrictions apply for new builds - refer NDIA SDA dwelling enrolment form. |
2 | The typical Building Code of Australia classification of villas/units/townhouses is Class 1(a)(i), Class 1(a)(ii) or Class 3. |
3 | Appropriate sound proofing should be incorporated. |
4 | High impact wall lining should be incorporated. |
5 | Corridors/passageways clear width : minimum 1000mm. |
6 | Consider access to a ‘breakout room’ - a separate room designed to respond to a person’s individual disability-related needs. |
7 | Break out rooms are not a study or living/dining area, but are intended to be dedicated + used to enhance learning, exploration or positively impact mood. |
8 | High impact fittings fixtures should be incorporated. |
9 | Identification of dedicated space for on-site overnight assistance (OOA) is required if OOA is to be provided. |
10 | Consider requirement for provision of dedicated space for onsite overnight support based on tenant need. |
11 | Clear opening of doors should be minimum 820mm, with a level transition + threshold. |
12 | Task lighting is required above workspaces. |
13 | Laminated glass should be incorporated. |
