When SDA Works & When it Goes Wrong: A Personal Reflection
Jamie-Lee's reflection on her experiences with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) after the Four Corners episode, Empty Promises.
Jamie-Lee in her SDA apartment with her dog, Berlin. Housing Hub has written clear best practice guidelines for housing providers to follow, compiled by multiple people with lived experience.Last year, my sister and I were planning to move back home to the Gold Coast to be closer to family, and I found an apartment in Southport that was run by a housing provider who wasn’t well informed about SDA.
The Housing Hub currently lists over 5,500 homes for people with disability. Search for a home that is right for you today!Or better still, create a Housing Seeker Profile and let the Housing Hub do the hard work for you. Sign up here!
When I saw the Four Corners episode Empty Promises, I was reminded of past experiences I’ve had with some housing providers who lack experience with SDA.It turns out that there are housing providers that are only involved in SDA for the financial benefits and have no regard for tenants with a disability, or the investors they scammed.A few years ago, I was planning to move to an SDA apartment building in Brisbane, but my sister and I were both rejected as a tenant with two-person funding was prioritised over both of us.We then found out that those SDA tenants were not being treated well by the provider and were not able to be fitted with the accessible features they required, such as an automatic door, which restricted their ability to go outside. My sister and I were relieved we didn’t move into accommodation that didn’t follow best practice guidelines, but felt for the people who were treated like residents in a group home, with a lack of choice and control.
Jamie-Lee in her SDA apartment with her dog, Berlin. It made me really nervous about the move, and at the time, there were limited options. Against my gut feeling, I continued with the process.Thankfully, one of our support workers told us about a new SDA building in Southport that was run by a well-known provider who I had previously done some volunteer work for.I moved earlier this year in February, and I couldn’t be happier with the housing provider I have. I didn’t have to worry about my equipment fitting into my apartment, my bathroom being fitted with non-slip tiles or not having an automatic door. These factors make things a lot easier and safer for my support workers and I.
There is so much access where I live, and I know I made the right decision by trusting my initial gut feeling.There are many housing providers out there who have a lot to learn about supporting tenants with a disability. Housing Hub has a good resource about SDA and how to solve problems within NDIS-funded housing.It really makes me sad that there are so many housing providers only in the accessible housing industry for financial gain, misleading participants. With lived experience, the right resources and education, I’m hopeful we can try and carve a better path for SDA and make it work for everyone.Article published: October 2025
About The Author
Jamie-Lee loves to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability; her lived experience of growing up with a disability motivates her advocacy. Having studied journalism at university, she uses her writing skills to her advantage. 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.The Housing Hub currently lists over 5,500 homes for people with disability. Search for a home that is right for you today!Or better still, create a Housing Seeker Profile and let the Housing Hub do the hard work for you. Sign up here!
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