The four SDA design categories explained
By The Find My SDA Team · Updated 31 Jul 2026
Every Specialist Disability Accommodation home is built to one of four design categories under the NDIS SDA Design Standard. Your NDIS plan is usually funded for one category, so it helps to know what each one means before you start looking.
Improved Liveability
For people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment. The design features improve physical access and reduce the need for ongoing home modifications, with a focus on a safe and easy-to-navigate home.
Fully Accessible
For people with significant physical impairment. These homes have step-free access and layouts that support wheelchair use and safer mobility throughout the home.
Robust
A safer, more resilient built environment with stronger materials and layouts that reduce the risk of harm to the resident or others, while still feeling like a home.
High Physical Support
For participants with very high physical support needs. These homes are built to a higher specification, with ceiling-hoist provision, assistive-technology readiness and emergency power where required.
Which category am I funded for?
Your NDIS plan names the design category you are funded for. If you are not sure, your support coordinator or NDIS planner can confirm it.
Once you know your category, you can browse homes built to that standard and enquire on the ones that suit you.
Common questions
How do I know which SDA category I am funded for?
Your NDIS plan names the design category. Your support coordinator or NDIS planner can confirm it if you are unsure.
Can one home suit more than one category?
Each SDA home is enrolled to a specific design category, and that enrolled category is what determines funding eligibility for residents.
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