What is an NDIS SDA Building Assessment?
- Complete Access Partners
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
If you’re looking into housing under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you may have heard of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). SDA homes are purpose-built or modified to meet the needs of people with very high support needs, giving them the chance to live safely and independently.
But before a property can be approved as SDA, it must go through an SDA Building Assessment.
Understanding SDA in the NDIS
Under the NDIS, SDA funding is provided to eligible participants so they can live in housing that meets strict design and accessibility standards. To make sure these homes are suitable, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requires each property to be independently assessed and certified.
That’s where an SDA Building Assessment comes in.
What is an SDA Building Assessment?
An SDA Building Assessment is the formal process of checking whether a dwelling complies with the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard.
This standard sets out detailed requirements for how SDA homes must be designed and built. It covers four design categories recognised by the NDIS:
Improved Liveability
Robust
Fully Accessible
High Physical Support
The assessment is carried out by an accredited SDA Assessor who is registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
What the Assessment Involves
During an SDA Building Assessment, the assessor will:
Inspect the property (either on plans before construction or onsite after completion).
Check that the dwelling meets the NDIS SDA Design Standard requirements for the intended design category.
Ensure accessibility, safety, and functionality are in line with the needs of NDIS participants.
Prepare a compliance report and issue an SDA Certificate if the dwelling meets the standard.
This certificate is required for the property to be enrolled as SDA with the NDIS.
Why an NDIS SDA Building Assessment Matters
Without an SDA Building Assessment, a property cannot be officially enrolled as Specialist Disability Accommodation under the NDIS. That means participants wouldn’t be able to use their SDA funding to live there.
The assessment also gives confidence to providers, investors, and residents that the home has been built to high-quality, accessible, and safe standards.
Key Takeaway
An NDIS SDA Building Assessment is the crucial step that ensures a dwelling meets the NDIS SDA Design Standard and can be approved for use as Specialist Disability Accommodation. By obtaining certification from an accredited assessor, providers can open the door for NDIS participants to access safe, accessible, and purpose-built housing.
Contact us today to assist with your next SDA project
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