Housing: How NDIS Makes Accessibility Possible
Finding a home that suits your needs shouldn’t be hard—especially when you're living with a physical disability. The good news is that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers funding and support that can help you live in a safe, accessible, and comfortable home.
At Choice Support Plus, we believe everyone deserves a home that supports their independence. In this blog, we explain what accessible housing means and how the NDIS helps make it possible.
Accessible housing is any home that has been modified or purpose-built to support people with physical disabilities. These homes include features that make everyday living safer and easier, helping participants stay independent for longer.
Common features of accessible housing include:
Ramps instead of stairs
Wide doorways for wheelchair access
Grab rails in bathrooms and hallways
Lowered benches and switches
Non-slip floors
Smart home systems for remote access to lights, doors, and appliances
These changes can be made in existing homes or included in specially designed new builds.
What is Accessible Housing?
How Does NDIS Support Accessible Housing?
The NDIS offers support for accessible housing in two main ways:
If you already have a home, the NDIS may fund home modifications to make it safer and more accessible. This includes:
Installing ramps and handrails
Modifying bathrooms and kitchens
Widening doorways
Changing flooring for better mobility
Adding assistive technology
This support is available under your Capital Supports budget, and it must be considered reasonable and necessary for your disability needs.
1. Home Modifications (Capital Supports)
For people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment, the NDIS may fund Specialist Disability Accommodation. SDA homes are specially designed for people who:
Need help from a support worker every day
Can’t safely live in standard housing
Require advanced accessibility features
SDA funding helps cover the cost of the housing itself, not just the support you receive. You’ll still need to pay a small rent contribution (capped by the NDIS), but the main cost is covered by the scheme.
2. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
People often confuse Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) with Supported Independent Living (SIL). Here’s the difference:
SDA = the house or building, built with accessibility features
SIL = the support services you receive in the home
Some people receive both types of funding, while others only need one.
What's the Difference Between SDA and SIL?
Who Is Eligible for NDIS Housing Support?
To receive funding for accessible housing, you must:
Be an NDIS participant
Have goals in your plan related to living independently
Show that the support is reasonable and necessary
Provide evidence from healthcare professionals like occupational therapists
If you’re not sure what support you’re eligible for, Choice Support Plus can help you understand your plan and work with your NDIS planner to request the right funding.
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Support
At Choice Support Plus, we work with participants to:
✔ Help apply for SDA or home modifications
✔ Coordinate assessments from OTs and housing specialists
✔ Connect you with accessible housing providers
✔ Guide you through the home setup and move-in process
✔ Provide ongoing daily living support through SIL or Core Supports
We’re here to ensure your home is a place of comfort, safety, and independence.
Having a disability shouldn’t stop you from having a home that meets your needs. Through NDIS housing supports, participants with physical disabilities can access safe, purpose-built or modified homes that support their lifestyle and goals.
If you or someone you know is looking for accessible housing options through the NDIS, Choice Support Plus is ready to help.