SDA assessment reports providing functional evidence for NDIS housing decisions, written to spec.

An SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) assessment is an OT-written report that documents the functional evidence needed to support an NDIS participant's application for SDA funding. SDA is purpose-built housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. The OT assessment provides the functional component of the evidence base required by the NDIA. It does not guarantee SDA funding approval; that decision is made by the NDIA based on the total evidence package.

To be eligible for SDA funding under the NDIS, a participant generally needs to meet two main criteria: extreme functional impairment (significant limitations in functional capacity across multiple daily living domains) or very high support needs (requiring the presence of a person or the active use of assistive technology for most daily tasks). The NDIA also considers whether SDA is a reasonable and necessary support given the person's situation. Our OT assessment is written to address these functional criteria directly.

The NDIA recognises four SDA design categories: Improved Liveability (for cognitive, sensory or intellectual disability), Fully Accessible (for significant physical disability), Robust (for complex behaviours requiring a resilient physical environment), and High Physical Support (for very high physical support needs, including ceiling hoists and complex equipment). Our OT report addresses the design category most suited to the participant's functional needs and provides the clinical justification.

No. An SDA application requires a substantial body of evidence beyond the OT report, including supporting reports from other treating practitioners (typically a medical specialist), evidence of the current housing situation and its inadequacy, and often evidence from a support worker or specialist behaviour practitioner. An OT assessment is an important component, but SDA applications are usually coordinated by a specialist support coordinator working with the full multidisciplinary team.

SDA applications are typically coordinated by a specialist support coordinator (SSC) who understands the NDIA's SDA evidence requirements and manages the full application process. Our role is to provide the OT functional evidence component. If your participant doesn't yet have an SSC, we can discuss options when you call.

The assessment visit typically takes one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the participant's needs and the number of functional domains being assessed. The written report is generally delivered within two to three weeks of the visit. SDA reports are more detailed than standard progress reports, so we build in adequate report writing time to ensure thorough documentation.

Yes. We can conduct assessments in hospital, transitional accommodation or supported accommodation as well as in the current home. For participants in hospital awaiting discharge, or in transitional housing pending a permanent SDA placement, we can assess in their current setting and document what the transition to SDA housing would address. Let us know the situation at the time of referral.