Understanding the differences between supported independent living and specialist disability accommodation can be a challenge. The two supports often intersect with each other, making it hard to know where one ends and the other begins.

In this blog, we clearly define each support and compare and contrast their key features.

Key features of supported independent living (SIL)

Supported independent living , or SIL, is a type of paid personal support for people with higher support needs . SIL support helps participants live as independently as possible and develop new skills. It covers a broad range of support activities, including personal care and cooking meals.

Eligibility

SIL support is suited to participants who require significant person-to-person support from a disability support worker . This could involve daily support, as well as overnight care.

To determine whether a person is eligible for SIL support, the NDIS will assess their current and future living situation, their living goals, and their support needs.

The NDIS will also consider:

• Whether funding SIL in this instance meets the NDIS funding criteria
• The participant’s age
• The level of support the participant requires at home on a daily basis
• Whether the participant can share SIL support or needs support to live alone

Depending on the participant’s answers and any supplementary information provided (e.g., discussions with family members and/or carers, assessments, reports), the NDIS will determine if funding is appropriate and how much support the participant will receive.

Level of care

The NDIS takes into account several factors when determining a participant’s roster of care , including:

• The hours of support the participant requires to do day-to-day activities in an ordinary week
• The ratio of support they require (i.e. the number of support workers a participant requires and the number of other participants they can share these workers with) 
• The price level of SIL support the participant requires (either standard or high intensity) 
• The type of overnight support required 
• The amount of irregular support required 

Living arrangements

Participants can receive SIL support in either a share-house setting with other NDIS participants or in a home where they live on their own .

Want to learn more about SIL? Read our previous blog .

Key features of specialist disability accommodation (SDA)

Specialist disability accommodation , or SDA, is a type of housing that responds to the environmental and accessibility needs resulting from a person’s disability . It’s specifically designed for people with either very high support needs or extreme functional impairment.

Key features of specialist disability accommodation (SDA)

Specialist disability accommodation , or SDA, is a type of housing that responds to the environmental and accessibility needs resulting from a person’s disability . It’s specifically designed for people with either very high support needs or extreme functional impairment.  

Eligibility

To assess eligibility for SDA accommodation, the NDIS will ask participants the following questions :

• Do you have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs?
• Do you have a specialist disability accommodation needs requirement?
• Does specialist disability accommodation meet the NDIS funding criteria for you?

The NDIS will determine whether or not SDA is appropriate for the participant's situation based on their answers and the evidence provided. If it determines that SDA is inappropriate, it may recommend other home and living support services that better align with the participant’s needs.

Level of care

SDA is not a care service in and of itself - it is a type of accommodation. Depending on a participant’s care requirements, they may receive funding for support services, such as personal care, that work in collaboration with the SDA to help them achieve their home and living goals.

Living arrangements

SDA living arrangements may involve a shared house where a participant has their own private bedroom. In this situation, the participant may choose to share their room with another person, such as a partner.

Alternatively, depending on their support needs, participants​​ may be able to live in an SDA by themselves , depending on their support needs.

Homes classified as SDAs must meet the criteria of at least one of the following design categories:

• Improved Livability: A reasonable level of physical access and appropriate amenities for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment
• Fully Accessible: A high level of physical access, catering to people with a significant physical impairment
• Robust: A reasonable level of physical access and a high degree of structural resilience that protects both the participant and their community
• High Physical Support: A high level of physical access for people who require very high levels of support

A participant’s specific environmental and accessibility needs will determine which design categories are relevant to their living situation.

Differences between SIL and SDA

In short, SDA is a specific type of accommodation , while SIL is a set of support services that promote independent living for people with disabilities

SIL benefits and drawbacks

SIL support helps participants live independently in their community. However, it may not be sufficient for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment that also require specialised housing.

SDA benefits and drawbacks

SDA ensures participants can access purpose-built housing solutions that align with their specific disability. Because of this, SDA is not always accessible in all areas and may be overly expensive for some participants. 

Making the right choice

At Rise, we’re proud to offer a range of housing options for people with disability across Perth.

We’re committed to providing an environment where participants can thrive and gain skills that promote independence and wellbeing . We care about your goals, interests and talents, and can help you find a living situation that suits your needs.

Want to learn more about our current vacancies ? Enquire now .