NDIS has been a game-changer in the Australian landscape, with millions of participants benefiting from disability support services in Perth. Thanks to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, people living with special needs can now seek services like SIL (Supportive Independent Living) and SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation). However, not every participant or their family knows the difference between these two services. If you’re confused too, then this guide is for you. This will help participants, families and planners make informed choices.
What Does SDA Cover?
SDA funding is for purpose-built homes or modifications made for people with extreme mobility limitations or severe conditions that require specially accessible design features, such as:
- Widened doorways
- Reinforced walls
- Ramps for wheelchair access
- Elevators with grab rails, etc.
While SDA focuses on the living arrangement and its accessible features, SIL is focused on assigning the disability support worker in Perth and the services rendered.
What is SIL Meant For?
SIL funds the support workers and the services that include the following:
- Assisting with daily living tasks
- Help with skill development
- 24/7 health monitoring
- Providing immediate helps as and when required
Eligibility and Assessment Differences
Eligibility for Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA, is narrower and more focused on those participants with extreme functional disabilities or extreme high support needs. Individuals seeking SDA are categorised under a design, based on their unique needs and the level of support required.
On the other hand, SIL, or Supported Independent Living funding, is based on participants’ support needs, the types of disability support services required and the providers involved, rather than the property itself.
Therefore, it should be fully clear by now that SDA and SIL are completely different disability support services in Perth. It is advised to ask your NDIS planner or support coordinator to help you with your detailed SDA or SIL assessment. Having said that, your loved ones can now engage in peer-to-peer networks, and families can compare providers and secure the best support that caters to your unique needs.
Find the Right SDA Housing – Get in Touch Today
We offer purpose-built SDA homes, complete with a disability support worker in Perth, for your loved ones in need. Reach out to Convenient Support Services for specialist disability accommodation services. Call 08 6160 6054 to enquire.
FAQs
2. Can a participant have both SDA and SIL at the same time?
Yes. A participant can receive SDA funding for accommodation and separate SIL funding for daily support, provided they meet the eligibility criteria as per the NDIS.
3. Who is eligible for SDA?
SDA eligibility is narrower and targets people with very high support needs as determined by the NDIS. Thorough assessments are carried out as per the SDA Operational Guidelines.
4. How is SIL funding determined?
SIL funding is based on a functional assessment of daily support needs and funds the disability support services in Perth and the support workers. The assessment looks at required staff hours, complexity of care and whether shared or individual support is needed.
5. Does living in SDA guarantee 24/7 SIL support?
No. Living in SDA does not automatically guarantee supported independent living. SIL funding must be applied for and approved separately based on assessed support needs and available budget lines in a plan.
6. Who maintains SDA properties, and who employs support workers?
SDA providers maintain the purpose-built housing to design standards and manage the asset. An NDIS provider employs and funds support workers to deliver day-to-day care and support.
7. Can a single organisation provide both SDA and SIL?
Yes, some providers do both. However, they must keep finances, contracts and service delivery records separate to comply with funding and provider rules.
8. How do SDA categories affect housing choice?
SDA design categories such as “Improved Liveability”, “Fully Accessible”, “High Physical Support” and “Robust” determine the built features of an accommodation and influence suitability for individual needs.
9. How should participants plan if they need both housing and support changes?
Request both an SDA needs assessment and a SIL functional assessment during plan review, gather written provider quotes and consult peer or advocacy groups for guidance.
10. Where can I find authoritative guidance on SDA and SIL?
A provider can offer guidance pages for SDA and SIL, and the SDA Operational Guideline is the primary source for eligibility, design standards and funding rules.
