Media Release by Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC

New supports for NDIS participants to find specialist housing

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC has announced two new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) advancements for NDIS participants, following a successful roundtable with the SDA sector today.

SDA Accommodation Finder

More than 15,000 National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants with SDA in their plans will have easier access to specialist housing.

An SDA Finder tool was supported by the Minister’s second roundtable with the SDA sector today and will be released later this month. It is one of the many commitments from the NDIA outlined in the Participant Service Improvement Plan.

Minister Reynolds said the new interactive SDA Finder will give them greater support to find their new home.

“The tool will help participants find suitable SDA vacancies across Australia, and will allow them to search for properties based on their needs,” Minister Reynolds said.

“SDA makes a real difference to the lives of participants. It gives them the support they need to live in the community and improves the delivery of their supports.”

The SDA Finder was developed after extensive consultation and testing with participants and providers. It will share interactive SDA demand information and help providers advertise SDA vacancies.

SDA Market Statement

Today’s roundtable also endorsed an SDA Market Information Statement, which provides an overview of the current SDA market and trends.

“We know that finding suitable SDA can be challenging for some participants,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Growing the SDA market is really important to ensuring participants with high support needs have access to housing that is innovative and suits their individual circumstances.

“I’m pleased to have been able to work in collaboration with the sector on these important advancements to ensure all NDIS participants have access to the supports they need.

“The statement highlights the NDIA’s commitment to working with the market to better understand challenges and identify opportunities to increase and maintain SDA supply.”

The Market Statement is available at: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/housing-and-living-supports-and-services/specialist-disability-accommodation