The Role Of NDIS Housing: Improving Independence And Autonomy Across Australia

Around 1 in 6 people live with a disability in Australia. of those, as many as 1.4 million are living with severe or profound disabilities that have a notable impact on their everyday lives and their ability to live independently. 

By providing funding that makes it easier for people living with disabilities to gain their independence, access new skills, and spend time with their families, the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) helps such individuals improve their quality of life. NDIS housing provides specialist disability accommodation to ensure ongoing safety, independence, and care for people with high support needs. 

In this article, we’ll consider what NDIS housing offers, and the overall role that NDIS housing plays in empowering independence, freedom, and general quality of life. 

What is NDIS Housing?

NDIS housing, or SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation), is a range of housing designed for individuals living with very high support needs. According to the NDIS website – ‘SDA dwellings have accessible features to help residents live more independently and allow other supports to be delivered better or more safely.’

NDIS housing generally takes the form of shared accommodations, often with 24/7 on-site support. Individual accommodation is also available in cases when individuals are dealing with high-level disabilities. In each instance, NDIS housing operates alongside SIL (supported independent living), which is a person-centred approach that prioritises independence for individuals with disabilities. 

NDIS housing is designed to be fully accessible. SDA funding is paid directly to SDA providers to cover building and maintenance costs, and these should include accessibility considerations like wheelchair ramps as required. Participants must pay only a reasonable rent contribution, as well as covering day-to-day living costs like bills and groceries. 

Who is NDIS Housing for?

According to the NDIS website, NDIS housing is suitable for participants who are between the ages of 9 and 65, and are – 

• Living with extreme impairment or very high support needs

• Meet the specialist disability accommodation needs requirement and the NDIS funding criteria

To ensure individuals meet the criteria, the NDIS may require evidence of support needs, including reports from allied health professionals. Individuals who are already living in specialist accommodation are still eligible for NDIS housing, and advisors will help such people find well-suited accommodations. 

The Role of NDIS Housing: Improving Independence And Autonomy Across Australia

550,000 Australians currently receive life-changing support through NDIS schemes. By providing a safe, supportive living environment for individuals with a wide range of needs , NDIS housing plays a particularly prevalent role in improving quality of life and providing much-needed freedoms thanks to focuses such as – 

Ensuring Holistic Support Networks

SIL services, as delivered across NDIS housing, provide holistic, easily accessible support services.Verified NDIS SIL providers ensure a continuous link to NDIS services, including often 24/7 on-site support that includes the development and application of person-centred care plans, as well as support and advice regarding eligibility for further funding and so on. High-quality SIL services also typically work in close collaboration with community organisations, healthcare providers, and even educational facilities as required. With this holistic approach to support, care is more accessible, less stressful, and far easier for individuals to access. 

Prioritising choice and independence

Choice and independence are at the heart of NDIS housing. NDIS funding alone ensures houses are built with accessibility in mind so that individuals are better able to move freely and fully utilise their living spaces. SIL also provides the guidance and resources necessary for individuals to make their own choices, develop new skills, and even enter the workplace. Equally, shared accommodations enhance social skills, and provide peer-to-peer support. Using tailored care plans, SIL providers and NDIS coordinators can help individuals achieve goals that may otherwise remain out of reach. 

Holding Care Providers Accountable

NDIS housing is subject to the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, which is designed to ensure high-quality support and safe environments. When SIL providers work alongside this NDIS framework, they’re held to high and continuous accountability for the care they provide based on industry best practices and current codes of conduct. As well as providing peace of mind for participants and their families, NDIS housing therefore ensures that care providers are continually improving and developing services to ensure the best outcomes at all times. 

At Soteria, we’re offer SIL homes across NSW. If you think you or your loved one are eligible for NDIS housing, get in touch today to talk about your options. The faster you act, the sooner you’ll be able to benefit from the wide-ranging role of NDIS housing!