NDIS SDA Assessments & SDA Certification
Realm Access provides independent SDA assessments and certification services to confirm compliance of Specialist Disability Accommodation dwellings with the SDA Design Standard for NDIS enrolment.
The development of Specialist Disability Accommodation has been an important investment in providing appropriate and stable long-term housing for people who need accessible accommodation, especially for people who have a significant functional impairment or very high support needs.
Specialist Disability Accommodation is one of the supports that may be funded under the NDIS for participants who are eligible for SDA. Dwellings are intended to be high-quality, contemporary and well-designed with accessible features that help residents live more independently and allow other supports to be delivered better or more safely.
All dwelling enrolment applications for newly built Specialist Disability Accommodation must include SDA Design Standard certification to certify compliance of the dwelling with the SDA Design Standard.
An independent, accredited SDA assessor is the only person who can issue SDA Design Standard certification.
The SDA Design Standard
The SDA Design Standard applies to all new and ‘new build refurbished’ Specialist Disability Accommodation from the 1st of July 2021. The Design Standard outlines four design categories:
Improved Liveability
Improved Liveability dwellings are designed to incorporate a reasonable level of physical access as well as some enhanced provisions for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment.
Robust
Robust dwellings are designed to prioritise safety and resilience, with durable fixtures and finishes that reduce the need for reactive maintenance and minimise risk to participants and the community.
Fully Accessible
Fully Accessible dwellings are designed to incorporate a high level of physical access for people with significant physical impairment, with features such as wide doorways and corridors, ample circulation spaces, and bathrooms, kitchens and laundries designed for maximum flexibility and independent use.
High Physical Support
High Physical Support dwellings are designed to incorporate a high level of physical access for people with significant physical impairment who require very high levels of support, with features such as a ceiling hoists, assistive technology and emergency solutions for uninterrupted power supply.
Dwellings of all Design Categories must include at least one of each of the following:
a kitchen;
a bathroom;
a living/dining area;
an entrance/exit; and
at least one bedroom per participant.
A bedsit or studio style design is not permitted.
A single dwelling may be certified under multiple Design Categories however all shared areas must comply with the minimum requirements of all enrolled Design Categories.
At the design stage the individual participant’s specific needs may be unknown. The SDA Design Standard requirements have been determined to be the minimum reasonable and necessary requirements for SDA participants. Customisation of designs is permitted provided that compliance with the minimum requirements for each Design Category is still achieved.
SDA Assessment & Certification Process
Step 1: Preliminary Reviews and Advice
This step is not mandatory for SDA certification but is highly recommended. Engaging the services of an accredited SDA assessor early in the design process has many benefits including:
Early identification of non-compliances with the SDA Design Standard which minimises the need for redesign work, delays to the project program and cost overruns
Providing best-practice recommendations for inclusions that further enhance accessibility, liveability and safety to attract and retain participants and create lasting value for asset owners
Realm Access has the knowledge and experience to assist clients who wish to provide additional improvements beyond the minimum requirements of the Design Standard. When considered at the outset, many enhancements are easy to incorporate and can be low-cost or cost-neutral. Even something as simple as thoughtful design of storage can make a meaningful difference to a resident, and careful selection of finishes and fixtures can help to improve ease of maintenance and safety.
Step 2: Provisional Design Certification
Once the design documentation is complete to the point it is suitable for building approval submission, the dwelling design can be certified as compliant with the requirements of a particular Design Category. Preliminary drawings, and plans without formal title blocks, drawing numbers and revision status cannot be certified.
Certification at this stage is called ‘Provisional’ as the dwelling has not been built.
Provisional Design Certification is a mandatory step in the enrolment process, but it should be noted only a built dwelling can get Final Certification suitable for SDA enrolment and funding.
Step 3: Final-as-built Certification
Once a dwelling is built and includes all the relevant features meeting the SDA Design Standard requirements, the dwelling can be inspected and certified as a particular Design Category.
Inspections of each dwelling must be carried out in-person by an accredited SDA assessor.
Provision of Final-as-built Certification is mandatory for SDA enrolment.