Myth:

Being approved for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding will include Assistive Technology (AT). 

Fact:

SDA funding is separate from the funding you receive for AT. SDA homes are not built with AT already included. If you think having AT in your SDA home will assist you to do things you normally can’t do because of your disability, then you will need to apply for AT funding separately from SDA.

Exploring the fact

SDA is a type of housing for participants who need a lot of support, while AT is equipment, technology or devices that help you do things more safely and easily in your home that you normally can’t do because of your disability. AT could be small things like non-slip mats, big things like powered adjustable beds, or technology to help you communicate more easily. You can read about AT here. Some key points to be aware of:

• You will need to show the NDIS evidence of how the right AT in your SDA house will:
• Do things that you normally can’t do because of your disability
• Help you do things more easily and safely.
• Assist you to pursue your goals. 
• The NDIS have certain criteria you need to meet to get AT in your plan. If you already have a plan, you might be able to use funding in your current plan, or you could ask for a plan reassessment.
• The NDIS may ask you to get an AT assessment which can be done by professionals like an allied health practitioner or other qualified practitioner. 
• The NDIA may ask for different types of information depending on the cost of the AT item, i.e. low cost (under $1,500 per item), mid cost (between $1,500-15,000 per item) or high cost (over $15,000 per item). 
• AT items costing over $15,000 will require a quote, however, any priced AT item needs evidence to ensure safe and appropriate AT is being supplied and installed correctly.
• You can choose the providers you want to deliver AT supports included in your plan. 

Case study

Anna is 35 years old and lives with her elderly parents. Anna has a goal to become more independent and live on her own. With the support of her Occupational Therapist (OT) and Support Coordinator, Anna is applying to live in Improved Liveability SDA by herself.  

Anna has been diagnosed as having Autism and has challenges being able to talk and communicate. She can mobilise without assistance but her parents support her with day-to-day care to help her manage herself like washing herself, following routines and managing her behaviour and safety. They communicate with Anna using a whiteboard however, Anna has started to become more frustrated and is increasingly struggling to communicate through writing despite psychology support. 

Anna needs an AT assessment to identify the type of AT that can help her be more independent in her SDA home – to do things she currently can’t do because of difficulty in communicating. Anna will need a Speech Pathologist to trial some AT options to assess the type of communication aids or technology she may need in her SDA home. Based on the assessment and the devices that Anna trialed for doing different activities with support workers and by herself, the Speech Pathologist has recommended a $17,000 communication device. The NDIS have decided this is reasonable and necessary and will help Anna with her goal to be more independent and approve the funding.

Any questions?

Contact our NDIS Housing Advice Line on 1300 61 64 63 from Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm (AEDT).

Learn more about SDA

• The Housing Hub has great resources to help people understand SDA!  You can learn more about different types of housing and places to live here. 
• The Housing Hub also provides free information sessions about SDA and you can find more out here.
• To keep up to date with accessible housing news, events, stories and NDIS, updates, you can subscribe here.