Since the inception of the NDIS, there have been hundreds of providers across Australia promoting services that are available to eligible participants. Two key services that they often provide are Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL). While they are sometimes mentioned together, they serve different purposes and functions. In order to determine which service you should apply for on your NDIS care plan, it’s important to understand the differences.
What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?
Specialist Disability Accommodation refers to housing solutions specifically designed for individuals with high support needs or significant functional impairments. SDA homes are designed to support individuals in a safe, accessible, and sustainable living environment.
Key Features of SDA:
- Purpose-Built Design: SDA homes are tailored to meet specific needs such as wheelchair accessibility, assistive technology compatibility, or even sensory-friendly environments for those with sensitivities.
- Variety of Models: SDA includes a range of housing types, from apartments and houses to group homes. The choice depends on the individual’s needs and preferences as well as their NDIS funding package. You can read more about the different models available in our blog post here <link to blog about 4 models>
- High Accessibility Standards: These accommodations adhere to rigorous standards of design to enable residents to live as independently and safely as possible.
What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Supported Independent Living (SIL), on the other hand, focuses on providing support services rather than just the physical space. SIL is about helping people with disabilities in daily activities and helping them build skills for independent living, typically in a shared living environment.
Key Features of SIL:
- Daily Living Support: SIL helps with activities such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and management of medications.
- Shared Living Arrangement: SIL generally involves living with other people, where support can be a shared resource among several individuals, although it is always personalised based on individual needs.
- Skill Development: SIL is not just about maintaining daily life but also includes efforts to build life skills that enable greater independence over time.
- Flexibility: The level and type of support in SIL is tailored to the individual, ranging from a few hours a day to round-the-clock care, depending on what is available in the participant’s NDIS plan.
Comparing SDA and SIL: What is the Difference?
While both SDA and SIL aim to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, they do so in different ways. Here’s how these two important services differ:
- Primary Focus:
- SDA covers the living environment. It ensures that the housing is appropriate, offering modifications that promote safety, accessibility, and comfort.
- SIL emphasises the support services. It focuses on how people manage their daily lives and activities. It ensures that participants receive the assistance they need to live independently and thrive in their local communities.
- Eligibility and Funding:
- SDA eligibility is often based on having permanent and significant disability needs that require specially built environments. Funding is usually through the NDIS housing component.
- SIL funding is also supported by the NDIS but is typically included in the support component of an NDIS plan. It considers the type and intensity of support required for the participant.
- Customisation and Choice:
- In SDA, customisation is related to the physical modifications and structural supports within the home.
- In SIL, personalisation relates more to the care plan and the scope of assistance provided, focusing on tailored support services rather than structural modifications.
How Does SDA and SIL support work together?
For individuals who qualify for both SDA and SIL, these programs can be highly complementary. Living in an SDA environment with SIL support can enable participants to enjoy an enriched, independent living experience tailored to their unique needs. The accommodation meets their environmental requirements, while the SIL services provide the necessary human support.
For example, an individual with mobility impairments can reside in an SDA apartment designed with accessible pathways and technologies, while receiving SIL services for activities like meal preparation and grocery shopping. This combination ensures a holistic approach to independent living that addresses both the physical and practical aspects of a participant’s needs.
How to Choose Between SIL and SDA
Deciding between SDA, SIL, or a combination of both requires a careful assessment of an individual’s needs, preferences, and eligibility. It involves collaboration among the individual, their family, care providers, and support coordinators.
If you are navigating the options that might be available through NDIS funding, we can help you. Reach out to us to chat about which services are most appropriate, and which you will be eligible to receive.
If you, or someone you are caring for requires SDA support, reach out to Soluna SDA, our team of experts can help you to understand what you are eligible for, and assist you in finding a suitable home.