On this page:

1. What is the purpose of this operational guideline?
2. What is the relevant legislation?
3. Overview
4. Performing a SDA support needs assessment
   1. Reviewing existing information
   2. The planning and assessment conversation
   3. Requesting further information or reports to inform the inclusion of the SDA in a participant’s plan
   4. Assessing risks and safeguards
5. Deciding to include SDA in a participant’s plan
   1. NDIA’s policy on SDA
      1. Extreme or complete functional impairment due to disability that requires an SDA response
      2. Very high support needs (including housing needs) most appropriately met by an SDA responseent due to disability that requires an SDA response
      3. Has consideration been given to suitable alternative supports and pathways?
   2. Rent is not to be funded contrary to the NDIS Rules
   3. Is the SDA support most appropriately funded or provided through the NDIS?
   4. Other considerations applicable to including SDA in a participants plan?
      1. The principle of “no disadvantage
      2. 5.4.2 Participants transitioning with existing supports
   5. What assistance or other supports will be considered when SDA support is not included in a participant’s plan?
6. Describing SDA in a participant’s plan
   1. How will the NDIA describe SDA supports in a participant’s plan?
   2. Specifying SDA providers in participant plans
   3. Determining the SDA type and location
      1. What are the steps involved in determining the SDA type and location?
      2. Determining the SDA design category
      3. Determining the SDA building type
      4. The appropriate support model
      5. Determining the SDA location
      6. Alternative interim options
      7. Participants already residing in SDA