Recently announced changed to the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) policy state that participants are now provided with additional choice and flexibility with accommodation partners.
Minister for the National Insurance Disability Scheme, Hon. Stuart Robert announced last week in a press relates that there will be forthcoming rules changes which allow couple to be able to share a bedroom where they choose and children will be able to share a room with a parent or sibling.
This is welcome news for those who are currently taking advantage of the SDA service as ultimately SDA is structured to provide NDIS participants accommodation options in particular circumstances.
The scenario for SDA eligibility is where individuals cannot live in mainstream housing solutions due to the high-levels of functional impairment or high levels of support needs, yet still want to live independently from carers.
The latest figures reveal that approximately 6% of NDIS participants will have the SDA offering included within their plans by the time the scheme is fully developed.
Minister Robert stressed that these changes were a valuable step towards encouraging people with disability reach their goals and live independently.
“The NDIS enables people with disability to live more independently and one of the most fundamental aspects of all our lives is having choice and control over where we live, who we live with and the supports we need,’ Mr Robert said.
“We are improving the range of options available to participants who have SDA in their NDIS plans, while also stimulating growth in the SDA housing market.
“The changes will improve choice for eligible NDIS participants, build market confidence and drive stronger investment in SDA across Australia.”
Romola Hollywood, Director of Policy and Advocacy at People With Disability Australia (PWDA), concurred that the changes made are an important step for people living with disability.
“We are very pleased to see the announcement today of the long-awaited rule change…This is an important step towards realising the rights of people with disability to be able to choose who they live with.”
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