SIL vs SDA Housing: Unravelling the Mystery and Discovering Your Perfect Home

Read – 4 min    –    Date – 24/4/23

Author – Donna Steele

Are you overwhelmed by the jargon-filled world of housing options for individuals with disabilities? Fear not, as we simplify the difference between SIL (Supported Independent Living) and SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) to help you make an informed choice. In this article, we’ll break down the essential definitions, features, costs, and services of each housing option. Additionally, we’ll discuss the eligibility criteria, government funding assistance, benefits, and drawbacks of both schemes. Finally, stick around for real-life examples that shed light on SIL and SDA housing, and at the end, be ready to share your experiences or ask follow-up questions in the comments section!

What are SIL and SDA Housing?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) refers to support services provided to people with disabilities who require assistance with daily activities while living independently in shared living arrangements. SIL services aim to promote independence, develop skills, and foster community involvement. On the other hand, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a type of housing designed specifically for individuals with significant functional impairments and/or complex needs. SDA housing has accessibility features, enabling residents to live as independently as possible.

Alt text: A young man opening the door and walking into a SIL home while being greeted by a female support coordinator.

The Key Differences

When it comes to features, costs, and services, here’s how SIL and SDA housing differ: On the other hand, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a type of housing designed specifically for individuals with significant functional impairments and/or complex needs. SDA housing has accessibility features, enabling residents to live as independently as possible.

  1. Shared living arrangements: SIL focuses on support services in shared living arrangements, while SDA is about the physical dwelling with accessibility features.
  2. Funding assistance: SIL funding covers support services, whereas SDA funding caters to the cost of the housing itself.
  3. Dwelling types: SDA offers various dwelling types depending on the person’s needs, while SIL focuses on shared living environments.
  4. Level of support: SIL provides on-site support, while SDA does not automatically include support services.
  5. Eligibility criteria: SDA is for individuals with significant functional impairments, while SIL is for those who require daily living support in a shared setting.

Eligibility and Government Funding

Access to SIL and SDA housing is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) during your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) planning meeting. Usually, an assessment will be conducted to verify your support requirements, and the NDIA will allocate the necessary funding to your NDIS plan. Remember that only a small percentage of NDIS participants are eligible for SDA funding as it caters to those with more significant functional impairments. On the other hand, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a type of housing designed specifically for individuals with significant functional impairments and or complex needs. SDA housing has accessibility features, enabling residents to live as independently as possible.

SIL and SDA in Real Life

Meet Jane: Jane requires assistance with daily living activities, including personal care, meal preparation, and skill development. She does not have complex housing requirements, so she chooses a SIL arrangement where she shares a house with three other people with disabilities. Jane’s NDIS plan includes funding for SIL support services.

Meet John: John has significant functional impairments and needs a high level of physical support. He opts for a purpose-built SDA property with accessibility features like widened doorways, adjustable benches, and ceiling hoists. John’s NDIS plan includes funding for SDA housing and SIL support services.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Accessibility Features SDA housing provides physical accessibility features such as ramps, modified doors, and accessible living spaces. SIL housing does not offer the same level of physical accessibility features but provides support services to assist residents with their daily needs.

Independence Both SIL and SDA options promote independence, with SIL focusing on developing personal skills and offering daily living support, while SDA encourages self-sufficiency through accessible living spaces.

Social Opportunities SIL housing arrangements often involve living with other people, creating social opportunities for residents, while SDA housing may be more isolated, depending on the design. Cost SDA housing is generally more expensive due to specialised building requirements. However, both options are funded by NDIS, so costs will depend on an individual’s eligibility and support plan.

Flexibility SIL arrangements offer more flexibility, as residents can live in various properties and locations. On the other hand, SDA housing is less flexible due to the specific design and accessibility requirements.

Staff Ratio SIL usually involves multiple staff members to support residents in their daily lives, while SDA focuses on the living space itself, with support services being a separate consideration.

Alt text: Close-up of a female support coordinator showing the layout of a SIL housing home to a young man.

To sum it up, both Supported Independent Living (SIL), and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) offer unique benefits that cater to diverse needs within the disability community. SIL provides an environment that encourages greater autonomy and daily skill-building, while SDA focuses on delivering specialised housing for those with more complex needs.

As you weigh the pros and cons of these two housing options, it’s essential to consider your needs, preferences, and eligibility for funding. A well-informed decision should involve discussions with a support coordinator and (if possible) visiting both SIL and SDA housing options firsthand.

Ultimately, the perfect choice for you will be the one that best aligns with your goals and desired lifestyle.

And remember – if you are looking for SIL housing accommodations, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us at Bila! We’ll be more than happy to guide you through our available vacancies and set you on the path that aligns with your needs.

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