Your Guide to NDIS Housing Design Standards

SDA Design Categories Explained

Understanding the four SDA design categories is the first step toward finding a home that truly supports your independence. At Edenbridge Living, we build and manage Specialist Disability Accommodation across Sydney, designed to meet the unique needs of NDIS participants. This guide breaks down each design category so you can make an informed decision about the housing that is right for you.

  • Four Design Categories Tailored to Your Support Needs

  • NDIS-Registered Provider Across Sydney Suburbs

  • Purpose-Built Homes That Exceed SDA Design Standards

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Modern open-plan corridor in an SDA home showing accessible design features for NDIS participants

Registered NDIS Provider

Edenbridge Living is a registered NDIS provider. We are dedicated to shaping spaces that empower every individual’s journey. Committed to excellence, we craft homes where comfort meets accessibility.

A white kitchen with a wooden table and chairs.

How Each Category Supports Independence

Understanding the Four SDA Design Categories

The NDIS SDA Design Standard outlines four distinct design categories, each tailored to different disability support needs. Whether you live with sensory, cognitive, physical, or complex behavioural support needs, there is an SDA design category built for you. Our SDA homes support participants with:

  • Sensory Impairments

  • Acquired Brain Injury

  • Wheelchair Users

  • Physical Disability

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Psychosocial Disability

  • Complex Behavioural Needs

  • Spinal Cord Injury

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Neurological Conditions

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Why Choose Edenbridge Living ?

Simple Answer: Unwavering Dedication!

At Edenbridge Living, we hold a fundamental belief that everyone is entitled to a home that not only caters to their unique needs but also enhances their overall quality of life. That's why we go above and beyond to provide SDA homes that are comfortable, inclusive, and empowering for NDIS participants.

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Local Experts

We are a Sydney-based family office and SDA provider with strong local knowledge and experience in NSW.

Stability and Long-Term Commitment

As a family office, we take a long-term approach to SDA. We develop, own and operate our SDA homes for the long haul.

Premium, Established Suburbs

SDA homes are provided to residents nearby, thus allowing residents to move into better homes without leaving behind their friends, community, or support they trust.

Future-Proof for Ageing in Place

Adaptable home designs to meet changing needs over time.

Innovative Designs

Focus on single-story villas and houses for better accessibility.

Accessible modern home with open-plan dining and kitchen area showing wheelchair-friendly SDA housing design

Choosing the Right SDA Design Category

  • Greater Daily Independence

    The right SDA design category supports your daily independence. When your home's features match your disability, you rely less on support workers for routine tasks and have greater control over your environment.

  • Safety and Reduced Risk

    SDA homes reduce falls, transfer injuries, and property damage through features like non-slip flooring, reinforced walls, wide corridors, and emergency power systems. Safer housing protects both residents and support workers.

  • Purpose-Built for Your Needs

    Every SDA design category addresses specific support needs. From luminance contrast in Improved Liveability to ceiling hoists in High Physical Support, these are not afterthoughts but core design elements built into the home from the start.

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Understanding Your SDA Options

To be eligible for SDA funding, you must be an NDIS participant with an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Your NDIS plan must include SDA as a funded support, and an assessment will determine which design category is appropriate for your needs.

  • Community Connection and Social Participation

    Living in an Edenbridge Living SDA home means more than accessible design. Our homes are located in established Sydney communities, giving residents opportunities to engage with neighbours, access local amenities, and participate in community life.

  • Explore Your SDA Options

    Ready to find an SDA home that matches your design category? Contact Edenbridge Living to discuss available Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, and High Physical Support properties across Sydney.

  • Applying for SDA Housing

    To apply for SDA, you need SDA funding in your NDIS plan. Contact Edenbridge Living to discuss available properties and design categories. Our team guides participants, families, and support coordinators through each step.

  • Family Visits and Involvement

    Edenbridge Living encourages family connection. Our SDA homes include communal areas where residents can welcome visitors. We believe strong family relationships support wellbeing and a sense of home.

  • SDA and SIL Explained

    Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is the physical housing, purpose-built for people with disability. Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides personal support services within your home. Many residents access both SDA and SIL through their NDIS plan.

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Single-story white house with a covered patio, outdoor seating, green lawn, and potted plants along the walls on a clear sunny day in Narraweena, Northern Beaches.

How to Apply for SDA Housing

Applying for Disability Group Homes  involves a series of steps.

01

Check Your SDA Eligibility

Confirm you are an NDIS participant with SDA funding in your plan. SDA is available for people with an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs who meet specific eligibility criteria. Your NDIS planner or support coordinator can help you understand whether SDA is included in your plan.

02

Gather Your Supporting Documents

Compile assessments from allied health professionals, occupational therapists, and other relevant practitioners. These reports should detail your functional capacity, daily support needs, and the type of housing features that would benefit you. Include any previous housing assessments or support coordination reports.

03

Meet with Your NDIS Planner

Schedule a meeting with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss how SDA housing aligns with your goals. Together, you will determine which SDA design category best matches your support needs and preferences.

04

Include SDA in Your NDIS Plan

Ensure SDA is listed as a funded support in your NDIS plan. Discuss with your planner which design category aligns with your functional needs, daily living goals, and preferred dwelling type.

05

Research SDA Providers

Research registered SDA providers like Edenbridge Living. Compare available properties, design categories, locations, and vacancy information. Visit homes where possible to see the design features firsthand.

06

Submit Your Application

Submit your application to your chosen SDA provider. Provide all required documentation including your NDIS plan, support assessments, and any specific housing preferences or requirements.

07

Assessment and Matching

Your SDA provider assesses your application against their property criteria and the suitability of available accommodation. This includes matching your design category requirements with available homes.

08

Sign Your SDA Agreement

Upon approval, sign an SDA agreement outlining accommodation terms, rent contributions, and your rights as a resident. This agreement is governed by the NDIS SDA Rules and relevant state tenancy legislation.

09

Prepare for Move-In

Once approved, arrange the transfer of your supports, set up utilities, and personalise your new SDA home. Your support coordinator and Edenbridge Living will work together to ensure a smooth transition.

10

Get Support Along the Way

If you need help navigating the SDA application process, reach out to your support coordinator, an advocacy service, or contact Edenbridge Living directly. Our team can guide you through finding the right SDA home in Sydney.

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Our SDA Home Options in Sydney

At Edenbridge Living, every home is designed with purpose. We build SDA housing across multiple design categories, ensuring NDIS participants in Sydney have access to high-quality, purpose-built accommodation that supports independence, safety, and community connection.

Our single-storey 1-bedroom SDA villas offer maximum independence in a compact, purpose-built setting. Ideal for participants who prefer to live independently while still having access to on-site support services.

Our single-storey 3-bedroom SDA houses provide a high level of independence and privacy. Built to meet Improved Liveability, Robust, Fully Accessible, or High Physical Support standards, each home is tailored to the needs of its residents.

A bedroom with blue walls and a bed.

Our Collaborations Make A Difference

We're proud to collaborate with leading organisations that share our vision of inclusivity and empowerment. If you have had a great experience with another particular support provider, please reach out to us to discuss how we may be able to collaborate. Together, we create a tapestry of support, enriching the lives of our residents.

Sunnyfield is a for-purpose organisation built on a heritage of community spirit, trust, inclusion and heart. Work, life or leisure, we support children, youth and adults with disability to build independence in every opportunity, find a place to call home, connect with their community and build skills for life.

Let’s work together to make bright futures for people with disability.

Sunnyfield disability services logo.

Sunnyfield

JewishCare NSW has been helping our community thrive since 1937. Our specialist teams provide community aged care, mental health, disability, and family and child services to ensure an inclusive and supported community.

We have subject matter experts in ageing, specifically in, home care packages and dementia, suicide prevention, domestic violence, NDIS and employment. We work with individuals, the Government, referrers, families and the community to build resilience for today and tomorrow.

Jewish Care services logo

JewishCare NSW

Trusted Home Care are an established and sought after provider of in-home care services for the aged and disabled communities, on the NSW Central Coast and Northern Beaches of Sydney.

As a Registered NDIS Provider we offer a full suite of standard and complex support needs, accommodation options and coordination of supports. Our personable team strive to meet individual needs.

Trusted Home Care services logo

Trusted Home Care

As one of Australia’s leading disability service providers, Aruma is dedicated to empowering the people we support to live life on their terms.

We support people to realise their goals and dreams – whether it’s moving out of home, finding a job they love, or becoming active members of the community.

For us, there’s nothing more satisfying than discovering where someone wants to go and supporting them in getting there.

The logo for aruma is shown on a white background.

Aruma

My Independent Support (MIS) is a trusted, NDIS-registered organisation dedicated to delivering personalised, participant-focused support. We work independently alongside each individual to ensure their NDIS plan reflects their unique goals, preferences, and lifestyle.

At MIS, we believe that no two journeys are the same — that’s why we take the time to truly understand each participant’s needs and tailor our support accordingly. Whether it’s helping you build capacity, navigate services, or connect with the right providers, our team is here to empower you every step of the way.

We’re proud to collaborate with Edenbridge Living while maintaining our independent approach, ensuring participants receive holistic, high-quality support without bias or conflict of interest.

Logo for My Independent Support Disability Services, featuring a stylized person with raised arms inside a teal "M" shape, and the company name in teal and pink text.

My Independent Support

For over 70 years, Achieve Australia has worked alongside people with disability to live on their own terms. In Greater Sydney, the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland, we offer independent living services that suit different goals and stages of life. We add to this with Community Participation and Community Lifestyle programs, pathways to employment and clinical supports when they’re needed. The aim is simple: true inclusion, real choice, everyday independence and a genuine sense of belonging.

The image displays the words "achieve australia" in bold maroon text on a white background.

Achieve Australia

Sunnyfield disability services logo.

Sunnyfield is a for-purpose organisation built on a heritage of community spirit, trust, inclusion and heart. Work, life or leisure, we support children, youth and adults with disability to build independence in every opportunity, find a place to call home, connect with their community and build skills for life.

Let’s work together to make bright futures for people with disability.

Sunnyfield

JewishCare NSW has been helping our community thrive since 1937. Our specialist teams provide community aged care, mental health, disability, and family and child services to ensure an inclusive and supported community.

We have subject matter experts in ageing, specifically in, home care packages and dementia, suicide prevention, domestic violence, NDIS and employment. We work with individuals, the Government, referrers, families and the community to build resilience for today and tomorrow.

Jewish Care services logo

JewishCare NSW

Trusted Home Care services logo

Trusted Home Care are an established and sought after provider of in-home care services for the aged and disabled communities, on the NSW Central Coast and Northern Beaches of Sydney.

As a Registered NDIS Provider we offer a full suite of standard and complex support needs, accommodation options and coordination of supports. Our personable team strive to meet individual needs.

Trusted Home Care

The logo for aruma is shown on a white background.

As one of Australia’s leading disability service providers, Aruma is dedicated to empowering the people we support to live life on their terms.

We support people to realise their goals and dreams – whether it’s moving out of home, finding a job they love, or becoming active members of the community.

For us, there’s nothing more satisfying than discovering where someone wants to go and supporting them in getting there.

Aruma

Logo for My Independent Support Disability Services, featuring a stylized person with raised arms inside a teal "M" shape, and the company name in teal and pink text.

My Independent Support (MIS) is a trusted, NDIS-registered organisation dedicated to delivering personalised, participant-focused support. We work independently alongside each individual to ensure their NDIS plan reflects their unique goals, preferences, and lifestyle.

At MIS, we believe that no two journeys are the same — that’s why we take the time to truly understand each participant’s needs and tailor our support accordingly. Whether it’s helping you build capacity, navigate services, or connect with the right providers, our team is here to empower you every step of the way.

We’re proud to collaborate with Edenbridge Living while maintaining our independent approach, ensuring participants receive holistic, high-quality support without bias or conflict of interest.

My Independent Support

The image displays the words "achieve australia" in bold maroon text on a white background.

For over 70 years, Achieve Australia has worked alongside people with disability to live on their own terms. In Greater Sydney, the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland, we offer independent living services that suit different goals and stages of life. We add to this with Community Participation and Community Lifestyle programs, pathways to employment and clinical supports when they’re needed. The aim is simple: true inclusion, real choice, everyday independence and a genuine sense of belonging.

Achieve Australia

Voices From The Community

Modern kitchen and dining area with white and navy cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a wooden dining table, and a sliding glass door leading outside. A round coffee table is in the foreground.

Finding the right accommodation for my clients is always a top priority. Edenbridge Living has consistently provided homes that not only meet but exceed the client's needs. Their attention to detail in making the homes light, bright and comfortable for all, truly makes a difference in the lives of the people I work with.

Elisa Patterson

Support Coordinator

Moving into an Edenbridge Living home is a life-changing experience for my brother, who has an intellectual disability. The 1-bedroom villa gives him the independence he craved but still with support available and friends living next door. The Edenbridge team's dedication to their residents' comfort is evident in every detail of their homes.

Alexia

Support Coordinator

Modern kitchen and dining area with wooden cabinets, white countertops, a wooden dining table with white chairs, and hardwood flooring. Doorways lead to other parts of the house.

As a support coordinator, my primary concern is to find accommodation that not only ensures the safety and comfort of my clients but also enriches their lives. Edenbridge Living has been a remarkable partner in this regard. It's a relief to know that such a dedicated provider is just a call away.

Noah Taylor

Support Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions About SDA Design Categories

The four SDA design categories defined by the NDIS are Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, and High Physical Support. Each category addresses different disability support needs and includes specific design features mandated by the SDA Design Standard.

SDA funding is available to NDIS participants who have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. The NDIS considers whether SDA would provide a better outcome for the participant compared to other housing options. Your support coordinator or NDIS planner can help determine your eligibility.

Your SDA design category is determined by your functional needs and is included in your NDIS plan. While you cannot freely choose any category, you can express your preferences and work with your support coordinator to find housing that matches your approved category and personal goals.

Fully Accessible homes provide a high level of physical access for wheelchair users, including wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and adjustable kitchen features. High Physical Support homes include all of these features plus additional structural provisions such as ceiling hoist support, emergency backup power, and assistive technology integration for people requiring very high levels of daily support.

To apply for SDA housing with Edenbridge Living, first ensure SDA is included in your NDIS plan. Then contact our team to discuss available properties that match your design category. We will guide you through the application process, property inspections, and move-in preparation. Visit our contact page or call us to get started.

Have more questions? Contact Us.

Redefining Living For Those Who Matter Most

At Edenbridge Living, we go the extra mile to ensure each of our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes have the following attributes:

  • Thoughtfully Designed

  • High Accessibility

  • Proximity to Essential Amenities

  • Industry-Leading NDIS Living

  • Designed to be light and airy

  • Prime Locations

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A man in an apron holding a potted plant.

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