Understanding the Difference Between Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

In the sea of acronyms that surround the disability services sector, it’s understandable that the difference between SIL & SDA is often confused. While SIL and SDA are both related to providing housing for people with disabilities, they serve different purposes.
If you, or a loved one, have a NDIS plan, you’ve probably already come across the terms SIL and SDA. In this article, we’ll not only explain SIL & SDA, but also compare their differences.

What is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides the support needed for Participants to you live as independently as possible. If you have a disability, SIL can provide you with support whether you are living alone or if you live with a group of people in a shared home.
SIL can provide you with an opportunity to enjoy independence, make new friends, and access the support you need. People who live in SIL receive daily support with tasks including personal care, such as showering and dressing, household tasks, including shopping, meal preparation, and cleaning, medical needs, behaviour and socials skills, clinical support, including administrating medication and medication management.
It is important to know the eligibility and criteria to enter a SIL home. Find out more about SIL and if you’re eligible.  

What is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is the bricks-and-mortar component and is available to people who need specialist housing solutions for high support needs or extreme functional impairment.
SDA funding would mostly cover the housing expense linked to renting specially designed homes. These homes may include features like wider doorways, reinforced bathroom walls, and other modifications that enable people with disabilities to live comfortably and safely.
Ozability Homes has several SDA homes across New South Wales that not only meet SDA design standards but promote choice and independent living. We have a strong focus on allowing people to be able to live where they want and with who they want.

Do You Need SIL or SDA?

The main difference between SIL & SDA is that SIL falls under a support service, whereas SDA is specifically designed disability housing.

However, not all people are eligible for SDA. Eligibility will be determined by your NDIS assessment and funding is allocated on a case-by-case basis, depending on a person’s individual needs.

If you need both specialist housing solutions and daily living support, SDA and SIL will be funded separately in your NDIS plan. This provides you with more choice, as you can live in accommodation suited to your needs and can access the SIL supports of your choice.

Difference between SIL and SDA

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is specifically designed disability housing for participants with high level care needs.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) services are the daily on-site supports services that assist individuals to live independently within SIL and SDA homes.

Difference between SIL and SDA homes

SDA dwellings must adhere to precise construction standards, whereas SIL residences don’t require the same specific building criteria and are focused more on daily care provision. There are four categories of SDA homes with different building requirements for each.

Difference between SDA providers and SIL providers

SDA providers acquire SDA properties by purchasing properties or working with investors.
SIL providers are the providers of supported independent living (SIL) onsite supports providers in SDA and SIL properties.

Here at Ozability Homes, we can help you or your loved one to be able to find a home that is suitable for your needs, and your NDIS funding.
We also have a network of trusted SIL providers that we can recommend if SIL would be better suited to your needs.
Get in touch today and let’s chat through your options to finding a suitable housing solution.