Accessible Amenities in SDA for Inclusivity and Connection

Jamie-Lee shows that speaking up can lead to real change, and calls for accessible communal facilities to be embedded in SDA Design Standards. The message is clear: accessibility isn’t optional. It’s essential for dignity, belonging and equality.

Accessibility is Inclusion

The communal area of my Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartment building was damaged in a cyclone that impacted Queensland last year in March and it has only recently opened.

I assumed that fixing the communal pool area would include accessibility improvements so it could be used by all SDA tenants, but I have found those who use a wheelchair aren’t able to use it as there is no hoist, chair lift or ramp. I believe this is discriminatory, and I think all tenants should be able to access and enjoy the shared facilities.

It isn’t appropriate to exclude some SDA tenants from using these facilities, and it deprives us from engaging with others who live in the same building.

Jamie-Lee enjoying the pool after advocating for a hoist.

If I was able to access the pool area, I would be able to engage with everyday activities and experiences, and foster relationships with other tenants and my neighbours.

Accessibility Encourages Connection

One of the purposes of SDA communities is to address the issue of people with disability feeling left out of society. It is important for tenants in these SDA homes to interact with neighbours when they want and feel included in their own community. 

Community inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone can be included and acknowledged. It's not only about the ability to access communal areas but encourages a sense of connection and acceptance.

Stella Young discusses the social model of disability in her 2014 TED Talk, “People are disabled by barriers in society, not by their bodies or diagnosis.” 

Queensland Government’s Partnering for inclusive housing’s social model recognises barriers that make life more complicated for people with disability. Removing these barriers creates equality and offers people with disability more agency. 

If SDA tenants were able to access all of the common spaces and facilities, it would help to bridge social gaps and encourage connection amongst tenants.

It can often feel like a facility and not a home when you are unable to access communal areas, which defeats the purpose of SDA.

I believe these accessible considerations in communal facilities should be included in the .

Always Advocate for Accessibility

At my previous SDA, I firmly encouraged the housing provider to install a pool hoist for tenants to access the pool. By doing so, one was installed and I was able to make some nice memories in the pool. 

I spoke to my Tenant Liaison Officer through my current housing provider and asked them to raise the issue on my behalf. They have agreed and are awaiting body corporate approval. Our landlord and a portion of our rent contributes to the maintenance of these amenities, so I believe they should be accessible to everyone that lives here.

I have friends in different SDA buildings who feel the same but they are uncomfortable raising issues, as they do not want to ‘rock the boat’ with their landlord or housing provider.

I feel tenants should speak up and advocate for themselves when they feel safe to do so. Otherwise, changes won’t happen and the social barriers will remain in place.

Article published: March 2026

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About the author

Jamie-Lee loves to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability; her lived experience of someone growing up disabled motivates her advocacy. Having studied journalism at uni, she uses her writing skills to her advantage. Shining a light on independent living options available to people with a disability is how we can create change in our society. She hopes to help other people with a disability along their journey, encouraging vulnerable people to find their voice. She believes that diversity will pave the way to equality for all.

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