Fully Accessible (FA) is one of four Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA) design categories. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about Fully Accessible SDA and how this category is exceptional for individuals with high physical support needs.
What is Fully Accessible SDA?
Fully Accessible (FA) is one of four SDA design categories with enhanced provisions and special features for participants with physical impairments who require a high level of accessibility. Some essential features of this category include wider doorways and corridors, flat flooring and open-plan layouts. The aim of Fully Accessible SDA is to create an accessible and safe living environment where participants can live more independently and comfortably.
Fully Accessible SDA homes are designed for people who use wheelchairs, as well as people with neurological conditions or mobility impairments who benefit from greater access, space and environmental safety.
Some essential features of this category include wider doorways and corridors, flat and even flooring and open plan layouts that make it easier to move around your home. The aim of Fully Accessible SDA is to create a safe, accessible living environment where you can live more comfortably and with greater independence.
What’s included in Fully Accessible SDA Design?
Fully Accessible SDA housing is designed to provide enhanced physical accessibility, meeting the specialised disability housing standards set by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This ensures you can live in a home that meets your support needs, enhancing independence and productivity. Below are some of the important design features of Fully Accessible SDA:
Here’s what you can expect in a Fully Accessible SDA home.
Enhanced Safety Features
- Smoke alarms in bedrooms and living areas.
- An emergency evacuation plan for you and your support network.
- Slip-resistant flooring throughout the home to help prevent falls.
- Smooth, even surfaces with no steps or sudden level changes.
Easy Movement Throughout the Home
- Wider doorways (at least 900mm) for easier wheelchair access.
- Wider corridors (at least 1.2m) so you can move comfortably.
- Turning space in living areas so wheelchairs can turn safely.
- Step-free entrance and accessible pathways from parking to your front door.
Accessible Bedrooms
- Bedrooms designed to fit a Queen bed with clear space around it.
- There must be 1540mm clear space on one side and 1000mm on the other sides of the bed.
- Include a 1400mm wide robe
- Must have a door circulation space of at least 1540mm wide and 1450mm deep.
Accessible Bathrooms
- A step-free, hobless shower measuring at least 1160mm x 1100mm for safe access.
- Room to position your wheelchair or equipment.
- Grabrail-ready walls for future support if you need them.
- Accessible tapware and fixtures designed for ease of use.
- Toilet with required circulation space or optional peninsular layout.
- An accessible bathroom must be available on the entry level of any dwelling that is serviced by a lift.
Accessible Parking
- Extra space to move between benches and appliances.
- Side-hinged wall oven for easier access.
- Electric or induction cooktop with easy-reach controls.
- Drawer-style dishwasher for safe and convenient use.
General Requirements
- Ramps are required where the height difference between two floor surfaces is more than 190mm. The recommended gradient of any ramp is 1:14.
- Power points and switches must be placed at accessible heights.
- Benchtops and sinks must be designed with knee and toe space to allow enough room for you to comfortably use it.
User-Friendly Technology
- High-speed Wi-Fi throughout your home to help you stay connected.
- Homes are wired so future automation, like door and blind controls, can be added.
"At Enliven Housing, many of our homes include Amazon Alexa technology. In an emergency, Alexa can notify up to 25 emergency contacts, helping you get support quickly when you need it most. While this isn’t required by the NDIS, we include it because it makes a meaningful difference to our tenants’ safety and independence."
What Conditions is Fully Accessible SDA Designed For?
Fully Accessible SDA can be most beneficial to participants with mobility impairment, which can affect movement, balance and motor skills such as walking and lifting. These impairments may be related to physical conditions, neurological disorders or injuries.
Here are some examples:
This can be a physical condition that affects movement or motor skills but isn’t necessarily caused by injury or neurological factors.
Examples:
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Scoliosis
- Limb differences
Neurological disability can be related to the brain function and central nervous system which affect your cognitive function, movement control and sensory processing.
Examples:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Spina Bifida
This type of impairment can be a result from an accident or injury, which may affect both physical and/or neurological functions.
Examples:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Amputation
If you have a mobility impairment, you may rely on assistive equipment or mobility aids. That’s why safety and accessibility are key to maintaining your independence and freedom. Fully Accessible SDA is designed to support your needs by offering features that improve mobility and remove obstacles, making everyday living easier.
How does Fully Accessible differ from other SDA design categories?
SDA housing has four design categories: Improved Liveability (IL), Fully Accessible (FA), High Physical Support (HPS) and Robust. Each has its own design standards that are ruled out by the NDIS. Below, we describe the other categories and how they can differ from Fully Accessible SDA.
Improved Liveability
Improved Liveability SDA focuses on assisting participants with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment. It includes some features that Fully Accessible SDA doesn't require, such as task lighting and colour contrasts.
Robust
Robust SDA prioritises support for participants with disability such as autism, mental health conditions and other psychosocial disorders. Unlike Fully Accessible, this SDA category requires sound-insulation and must be made up of materials that prevent injury, neighbourhood disturbance and the need for frequent maintenance.
High Physical Support
High Physical Support is similar to Fully Accessible SDA in a way that they both focus on providing an accessible living environment for participants with high physical support needs. HPS and Fully Accessible share many SDA design requirements; however, this category includes some additional features that Fully Accessible doesn't, such as ceiling hoists.
SDA Category Comparison Table
Category | Best For | Key Features | Examples of Disability Types |
|---|---|---|---|
Improved Liveability (IL) | Sensory, cognitive or intellectual disability | Visual contrast, illuminated switches, improved wayfinding | Autism, sensory impairment, intellectual disability |
Fully Accessible (FA) | Significant physical impairment | Step-free entry, wide doors, accessible bathrooms | Muscular Dystrophy, MS, Spinal Injury, Arthritis |
High Physical Support (HPS) | High physical support needs requiring assistive equipment. | Ceiling hoists, backup power, advanced home automation | Quadriplegia, ALS, progressive neuromuscular disorders |
Robust | Behaviours of concern and environmental safety | High-strength materials, soundproofing, secure outdoor areas | Autism (with behaviours of concern), mental health conditions |
This comparison helps highlight that Fully Accessible SDA specifically supports people who rely on physical accessibility and safe, unobstructed mobility—without the high clinical equipment needs found in HPS or the durability requirements in Robust SDA.
SDA Eligibility for Fully Accessible SDA
Fully Accessible SDA is designed for people who have significant physical impairments and need a home with a high level of accessibility. To receive SDA funding, you must first be eligible.
Who is eligible for Fully Accessible SDA?
You may be eligible for Fully Accessible SDA if you:
- Are an NDIS participant under the age of 65.
- Have a significant functional impairment or extreme functional limitations that impact your ability to move safely or complete daily activities in a standard home.
- Are unable to live safely in mainstream housing, even with home modifications or supports.
- Require specialist housing designs (such as wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, flat flooring and open-plan layouts).
- Need a home that improves your independence, safety and long-term functional capacity.
The NDIS is looking for situations where SDA is not just helpful, but is also necessary for your health, safety and ability to participate in everyday life.
Are you unsure if you or someone you know might be eligible? Give our SDA eligibility calculator a try — it only takes about 60 seconds and can help point you in the right direction.
SDA Eligibility Calculator
What evidence do I need to apply for Fully Accessible SDA?
When you request SDA, the NDIS needs evidence that shows why you need a specialist home and why other housing options are not suitable. You may be asked to provide:
OT Functional Assessment
A detailed report that explains your mobility needs, physical limitations and the accessible features required for you to live safely.
Housing Needs Assessment
A breakdown of why mainstream housing won’t meet your needs and how SDA will support your independence.
Allied Health Reports
This may include reports from Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists or other health professionals who understand your daily support needs.
Daily Support Needs Documentation
Information that explains:
- What supports you need across the day
- Why you need accessible features to complete daily tasks
- How SDA could reduce risks, improve capacity and support safer living.
Informal & Formal Support Information
Details from your support coordinator, support workers or family about how your current living situation affects your daily life.
What the NDIS is looking for
The NDIS wants to understand whether Fully Accessible SDA will:
- Improve your independence
- Reduce safety risks
- Support you to complete daily tasks more easily
- Help you participate in your community
- Offer good long-term value for money
- Be more effective than other housing or support options
If the evidence shows that SDA is the best option for your needs, the NDIS may include it in your plan.
Explore Fully Accessible SDA Options with Enliven Housing
At Enliven Housing, we offer Fully Accessible SDA in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth.Â
Understanding the different SDA design categories can help you choose the option that best fits your lifestyle and support needs. Fully Accessible SDA includes specialised features designed to support people with physical disabilities to live more independently.
If you think SDA might be right for you, contact us or submit an enquiry to start your journey today.
