Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is an important part of the NDIS, providing purpose-built housing for people with significant disabilities who need more than standard housing to live safely and independently.
These homes are designed to meet specific accessibility needs, offering participants greater choice, control, and quality of life.
Understanding the different SDA housing design categories is essential for participants, families, and carers when exploring suitable options.
Each category reflects a unique level of support, from sensory-friendly design to fully wheelchair-accessible features and advanced assistive technology.
Today, we’ll explain the three main SDA design categories – High Physical Support (HPS), Improved Liveability (IL), and Fully Accessible (FA) – in clear and simple terms.
What Are SDA Design Categories?
Under the NDIS, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) design categories set the standard for how homes are built to support people with very different disability needs.
These categories are not “one-size-fits-all.” Instead, they guide builders and providers to create safe, accessible, and supportive environments tailored to the daily living requirements of participants.
The NDIA has Defined Four Official SDA Design Categories:
- Improved Liveability (IL) – for people with sensory, cognitive, or intellectual impairments.
- Fully Accessible (FA) – for those with significant physical or mobility challenges.
- High Physical Support (HPS) – for participants needing advanced assistive technology and care.
- Robust – for people who require a safer, more resilient environment due to complex behavioural needs.
In this article, we’ll focus on the three most commonly chosen categories—HPS, IL, and FA—to help families and participants better understand their options.
1. Improved Liveability (IL)
Improved Liveability (IL) homes are designed to make everyday life safer and easier for participants with sensory, cognitive, or intellectual impairments.
These homes prioritise clear design, orientation, and wayfinding, helping residents feel confident and supported in their environment.
Key Features of IL Homes
- Enhanced lighting and contrast to support people with low vision.
- Clear signage, simple layouts, and logical room flow to reduce confusion for participants with cognitive or intellectual disabilities.
- Acoustic design to minimise sensory overload for people with sensory sensitivities.
- Technology support such as communication aids or assistive systems for daily living.
Who Is IL(Improved Liveability) For?
IL is suitable for participants with sensory disabilities, cognitive impairments, or low vision.
For example, someone with autism spectrum disorder may benefit from reduced noise and clear wayfinding cues, while a person with low vision gains confidence from high-contrast surfaces and accessible lighting.
At Care I Wish, we see IL as a thoughtful option for families seeking a supportive environment that enhances comfort, independence, and safety without the high physical modifications required in other SDA categories.
2. Fully Accessible (FA)
Fully Accessible (FA) homes are purpose-built for people with significant physical disabilities who rely on wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other aids for daily living.
These homes remove physical barriers and ensure every space is designed with accessibility in mind.
Key Features of FA Homes
- Step-free access at all entry points and throughout the home.
- Wide doorways, corridors, and circulation spaces to allow safe wheelchair movement.
- Accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers, grab rails, and space for support staff if needed.
- Wheelchair-friendly kitchens with lowered benches, accessible storage, and adaptable fittings.
- Provisions for assistive technology, such as automated doors or lighting controls.
Who Is FA For?
FA homes are designed for participants with mobility impairments or who rely on wheelchairs.
For example, someone living with cerebral palsy may need full wheelchair access to all areas of the home to live safely and independently.
Benefits for Families
For families, FA homes bring peace of mind knowing that their loved one can navigate the home with dignity and safety.
At Care I Wish, we see these designs as empowering, giving participants the independence to engage fully in everyday activities.
3. High Physical Support (HPS)
High Physical Support (HPS) homes represent the most advanced level of Specialist Disability Accommodation.
They are designed for participants with very high support needs, requiring extensive modifications, specialist equipment, and integrated assistive technology to live as independently and safely as possible.
Key Features of HPS Homes
- Ceiling hoists and height-adjustable benches to support mobility and daily living tasks.
- Advanced assistive technology, including voice-activated or switch-controlled devices.
- Emergency power backup systems, such as generators, to maintain life-support equipment during outages.
- Accessible communication technology and environmental controls for lights, doors, and climate.
- Enhanced structural design, ensuring safety for participants and support staff.
Who Is HPS For?
HPS homes are built for participants with complex physical needs, such as quadriplegia or advanced neuromuscular conditions, who rely heavily on technology and support workers to manage daily life.
Benefits for Families
For families, HPS housing provides confidence that their loved one is living in a safe, well-prepared environment with 24/7 support readiness.
At Care I Wish, we’ve seen how HPS homes not only ensure safety and comfort but also maximise independence even for those with the highest support needs.
Comparing IL, FA, and HPS
Choosing the right SDA category depends on the participant’s disability and daily living needs. Below is a quick comparison to help families understand the differences.
| Category | Support Needs Addressed | Typical Design Features | Who Benefits Most |
| Improved Liveability (IL) | Sensory, cognitive, or intellectual impairments. | Enhanced lighting and contrast, clear signage, simple layouts, acoustic design, tech support for communication. | People with autism, intellectual disability, or low vision. |
| Fully Accessible (FA) | Significant physical disability and mobility impairment. | Step-free access, wide doorways, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms/kitchens, provisions for assistive tech. | Wheelchair users or people with conditions like cerebral palsy. |
| High Physical Support (HPS) | Very high physical support needs and reliance on technology. | All FA features plus ceiling hoists, height-adjustable benches, emergency power, environmental controls. | People with quadriplegia or advanced neuromuscular conditions. |
Which SDA Category Fits My Loved One?: Quick Reference for Families
When deciding which SDA design category is right for your loved one, think about their daily challenges and support needs:
- Choose Improved Liveability (IL) if your family member has sensory, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities and would benefit from simple layouts, clear design cues, and reduced sensory stress.
- Choose Fully Accessible (FA) if your loved one uses a wheelchair or mobility aid and needs step-free access, wide spaces, and accessible kitchens and bathrooms.
- Choose High Physical Support (HPS) if they have very high care needs and rely on technology, ceiling hoists, or backup power for medical equipment.
At Care I Wish, we encourage families to consult with SDA assessors and providers, so that the home chosen not only meets NDIA standards but also truly supports independence, comfort, and quality of life.
How to Choose the Right SDA Design Category
Choosing the right SDA design category is about more than just housing—it’s about ensuring the home truly supports a participant’s independence and long-term wellbeing.
The best starting point is to work closely with your NDIS planner, occupational therapist, or support coordinator, who can help identify which design features align with daily living needs.
When deciding, consider both current support requirements and how these may change over time. A home that adapts to future needs can provide stability and comfort for years to come.
For example, someone with a progressive condition may benefit from a category with more accessibility features than they immediately require.
At Care I Wish, we help participants and families navigate this important choice with confidence, ensuring every SDA home not only meets NDIA standards but also feels like a safe, welcoming, and empowering place to live.
Conclusion
Understanding SDA design categories—Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, and High Physical Support—is key to making informed choices about housing under the NDIS.
Each category is designed to meet very different needs, so it’s important for families and participants to seek professional guidance from planners, occupational therapists, or SDA assessors before deciding.
With the right choice, participants can enjoy greater independence, safety, and quality of life.
At Care I Wish, we provide SDA homes across multiple categories, supporting people to live comfortably in an environment that suits their needs. Get in touch today to explore available options.
