Assistive Technology in SDA: Who Does What?

The Role of Assistive Technology in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Assistive Technology brings immense benefits to residents in any SDA property, not only through its promise of increasing each resident’s independence, but also in its ability to assist in the delivery of in-home services more effectively.

Assistive features can include:

• Automated doors: Improve access and enhanced independence for residents with mobility challenges.
• Automated blinds: Provide privacy, light control, and comfort at the touch of a button.
• Touch/voice-activated appliances: Enable residents to manage kitchen, laundry, and other essential functions independently.
• Dynamic lighting: Supports circadian rhythms and creates adaptable living spaces.
• High-speed internet in SDA: Facilitates assistive technology, telehealth, and social connectivity.

The key is in selecting which specific features will benefit the participant who will be moving in: nuances which can be narrowed down through co-design and engagement with the participants looking to move into the property.

Who’s Responsible for Delivering Assistive Technology in SDA?

There are a lot of parties involved when it comes to delivering a fantastic SDA property, so it can get confusing when understanding who is responsible for delivering each part of the process. We have outlined the primary parties below, and listed some of the primary responsibilities of each member, from an “industry best” perspective.

Role of the SDA Provider in Homes

The SDA Provider is responsible for the delivery of a high quality SDA home. The process of building an SDA home is complex and involves numerous detailed design, construction and accessibility elements. Every SDA property is built and enrolled to a specific SDA design standard, outlined in the SDA Design Standard documentation. This standard ensures all homes meet benchmark requirements for accessibility and safety.

SDA Providers play a critical role in ensuring that all homes meet or exceed benchmark requirements set by these guidelines. A primary part of these requirements, particularly at the higher end of specification (Fully Accessible, Robust and High Physical Support), is assistive technology.

Read Vera Living's complete guide to SDA here.

Assistive Technology in SDA Homes: Industry Best Practices

While the SDA Design Standard mentions assistive technology in several areas, there is room for interpretation, which can lead to varying quality. Key elements and best practices include:

• Power and control cabling: Installed for bedroom doors, the entry door, and an external door to allow future automation.
• Automated entry doors: Pre-installed before participants move in, ensuring independence from day one.
• Automated blinds: Maximises privacy immediately for residents.
• Purpose-built automation: Tailored to the needs of each participant, so residents don’t have to wait for additional funding to access functionality.

Role of the Supported Independent Living (SIL) Provider in SDA Homes

The Supported Independent Living (SIL) Provider plays a critical role in ensuring that NDIS participants have the right funding, assistive technology and supports in place for enhanced independent living. Key responsibilities include:

• Assistive Technology Budget Management:
  • Ensures each participant’s plan includes sufficient funding for assistive technology not provided in the base SDA build.
  • Works closely with Support Coordinators and Occupational Therapists to determine the appropriate level of technology for shared living arrangements.
• Daily Care Oversight:
  • Monitors and addresses participants’ daily care needs.
  • Considers and communicates best practice non-technological aspects of the property, such as furnishings, layout of common areas, and accessibility features.

By coordinating both technological and environmental supports, the SIL Provider ensures that SDA participants can live safely, more independently, and comfortably in their new home.

Participant

The participant moving into the SDA property should liaise closely with their care provider to ensure that all of their needs have been considered. An SDA property is ‘specialist’ because it is intended to cater for the specific needs of each participant, so frequent communication with a participant’s wider support network will ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to their new home.

• Regular check-ins with care providers and Tenant Support Specialist: Discuss daily living requirements and preferences for accessibility and assistive technology.
• Collaboration with Support Coordinators and Occupational Therapists: Ensure all supports are in place before move-in day.
• Ongoing updates post-move-in: Communicate any changes in support needs or adjustments required for continued comfort and autonomy.

Read more about Vera Living's Tenant Support Specialist team here.

Creating Homes that Empower Independence

At its best, Assistive Technology in SDA homes empowers residents to live with greater autonomy and dignity. When SDA and SIL Providers collaborate closely with participants and their support networks, the result is a home that’s not just accessible, it’s empowering, inclusive, and future-ready.

Why Choose Vera Living?

• 300+ participants supported into homes that offer a lifestyle
• 500+ purpose-built high-quality homes in well-connected locations
• In-house Tenant Experience Specialist for each tenant
• Long-term lease options to maximise choice and control
• No lock-in contracts. No bonds. Pet friendly.
• Supported families to live together with Appendix H funding

With a focus on accessibility, location, and quality finishes, Vera Living creates homes that truly enhance the lives of people living with disability.