SDA Services & HousingHub Workshop
SDA Services & HousingHub Workshop
Supporting NDIS Professionals to Navigate the SDA Application Journey
This event is proudly hosted in collaboration with:
SDA Services Pty Ltd | Housing Hub | Paramount Disability Homes
Featuring guest speakers:
Greg Barry from SDA Services
Sinead M. from Housing Hub
The journey to securing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding can be complex and overwhelming for many NDIS participants. Understanding this challenge, Paramount Disability Homes recently hosted a comprehensive workshop at our Preston SDA apartments, bringing together over 70 occupational therapists, support coordinators, and NDIS professionals for an intensive learning session.
This free workshop, delivered in collaboration with SDA Services and Housing Hub, provided practical strategies and expert insights to help professionals better support their clients through the SDA application process.
Expert Speakers Share Industry Knowledge
The workshop featured two leading voices in the SDA sector, each bringing unique perspectives and decades of experience.
Greg Barry from SDA Services
Greg Barry founded SDA Services in 2017 and has been devotedly involved in the SDA space ever since, bringing lived experience as co-carer for his adult daughter with severe disability since her birth. His expertise spans legal backgrounds, property development, and practical SDA application support, making him one of Australia's most respected consultants in this field.
During the workshop, Greg focused on the critical elements that the NDIA looks for in SDA applications, sharing insights from hundreds of successful funding approvals. His presentation addressed common pitfalls in application processes and provided clear frameworks for building evidence-based reports that demonstrate genuine need and suitability for SDA funding.
Sinead McKee from Housing Hub
Housing Hub's support coordination team has successfully supported over 1,200 people to apply for NDIS housing and support funding, and their team won the team award at the 2023 Disability Staff Recognition Awards in Melbourne. Sinead brought this wealth of practical experience to the workshop, sharing real-world scenarios and collaborative strategies.
Her presentation explored the importance of coordination between housing providers, occupational therapists, and support coordinators in achieving successful outcomes for participants. She emphasised the collaborative nature of effective SDA applications and how different professionals can work together to build comprehensive cases.
Key Workshop Takeaways for NDIS Professionals
The workshop covered essential areas that directly impact the success of SDA applications. Participants gained practical knowledge across several critical domains.
Writing Strong Evidence-Based Reports
Occupational therapists learned how to craft detailed, evidence-based reports that clearly demonstrate a client's eligibility for SDA, with emphasis placed on articulating the client's needs, the impact of their disability on daily living, and the rationale for SDA funding in a structured and compelling manner.
The session provided templates and frameworks for documenting functional assessments, outlining specific housing requirements, and connecting individual needs to appropriate SDA design categories. Participants practiced translating clinical observations into language that addresses NDIA eligibility criteria effectively.
Understanding NDIA Requirements and Expectations
One of the most valuable aspects of the workshop was demystifying what the NDIA actually seeks in SDA applications. The speakers broke down the eligibility criteria into manageable components, explaining how to demonstrate that standard housing options are insufficient for the participant's needs.
The SDA assessment report completed by a qualified occupational therapist serves to determine whether someone is eligible for SDA funding under the NDIS and is one of the most important pieces of evidence in the application process. Understanding how to structure these reports correctly significantly increases approval success rates.
Collaboration Across Housing and Coordination Services
The workshop emphasised that successful SDA outcomes rely on effective collaboration between multiple professionals. Support coordinators, occupational therapists, SDA providers, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers all play crucial roles in the participant's journey.
When an occupational therapist collaborates with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, and social workers, it serves to strengthen the application for Specialist Disability Accommodation.
Participants explored strategies for building strong professional networks, improving communication pathways, and ensuring all parties work towards aligned goals for the participant.
Navigating Common Funding Barriers
The speakers addressed frequent challenges that arise during the SDA application process, including incomplete functional assessments, insufficient evidence of housing need, unclear connections between disability and housing requirements, and inadequate exploration of alternative options.
By understanding these common barriers in advance, professionals can proactively address them in their initial applications, reducing delays and increasing approval rates.
Our Preston SDA Apartments: A Practical Learning Environment
Hosting the workshop at our Preston SDA apartments provided attendees with a unique opportunity to experience purpose-built accessible housing first-hand. Participants toured the High Physical Support (HPS) apartments, observing design features and accessibility solutions in a real-world setting.
The Preston location showcases many of the elements discussed during the workshop, including reinforced structures for ceiling hoists, wide hallways and doorways accommodating mobility aids, accessible bathroom facilities with roll-in showers, lowered kitchen benches and fixtures for seated access, and smart home technology integration supporting independence.
This hands-on experience helped professionals better visualise the environments they're advocating for in their reports and applications. Many attendees noted that seeing the actual living spaces enhanced their understanding of how SDA design categories translate into practical daily living benefits.
Why Professional Development in SDA Matters
The SDA sector continues to evolve, with regular updates to guidelines, funding arrangements, and eligibility criteria. For occupational therapists and support coordinators working with NDIS participants, staying current with these changes is essential for effective advocacy.
Occupational therapists play a crucial role in the SDA application process by conducting specialised functional assessments on a potential tenant's needs and providing valuable insight to help clarify the participant's housing requirements.
Professional development opportunities like this workshop ensure that NDIS professionals have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to support participants effectively through the complex SDA journey. When professionals are well-equipped, participants benefit from stronger applications, reduced processing times, and ultimately, better housing outcomes.
The Importance of Education in the SDA Sector
At Paramount Disability Homes, we believe that education is fundamental to improving outcomes across the entire SDA ecosystem. When NDIS professionals understand the intricacies of the application process, participants receive better support and experience smoother transitions into suitable housing.
This commitment to education aligns with our broader mission to support participants holistically, not just through property provision but through comprehensive guidance and collaboration with their support networks. By investing in professional development opportunities for occupational therapists and support coordinators, we contribute to raising standards across the industry.
Looking Forward: Continued Partnership and Support
The overwhelming attendance and positive feedback from the workshop reinforced the need for ongoing educational initiatives in the SDA sector. Many participants expressed interest in future sessions covering specific topics such as appealing NDIA decisions, navigating plan reviews for housing funding, supporting participants with complex behavioural needs, and cultural considerations in SDA applications.
We remain committed to collaborating with organisations like SDA Services and Housing Hub to provide these valuable learning opportunities. The partnerships we've built through events like this workshop strengthen the entire support ecosystem surrounding NDIS participants.
Resources for Ongoing Learning
For professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of SDA applications and housing options, several resources provide valuable information and guidance.
Understanding SDA Fundamentals
If you're new to Specialist Disability Accommodation, our comprehensive guide explains the basics of SDA, including eligibility requirements, design categories, and the application process. This foundational knowledge is essential for anyone supporting participants through the housing journey.
Exploring SDA Design Categories
Different participants have different needs, which is why SDA offers multiple design categories. Learn more about Fully Accessible housing designed for wheelchair users and those with significant physical impairments, or explore Robust housing built for participants with complex behavioural support needs.
Determining Eligibility
One of the most common questions we receive concerns SDA eligibility. Our detailed guide on SDA eligibility requirements explains the criteria participants must meet and how occupational therapists can support the assessment process.
The Transition Journey
Once SDA funding is approved, participants face the practical aspects of moving into their new home. Our step-by-step transition guide walks through the entire process, from initial property selection to moving day and beyond.
Gratitude to Our Attendees and Partners
We extend our sincere thanks to the more than 70 NDIS professionals who attended the workshop. Your dedication to supporting people with disability to achieve better housing outcomes is inspiring, and your active participation made the event a tremendous success.
We're equally grateful to Greg Barry from SDA Services and Sinead McKee from Housing Hub for sharing their expertise so generously. Their commitment to raising standards in the SDA sector benefits participants across Australia.
Finally, we thank our partners at SDA Services and Housing Hub for their ongoing collaboration. Working together, we can create better pathways for NDIS participants to access suitable, safe, and sustainable housing solutions.
Join Us for Future Events
This workshop represents just one of many educational initiatives we're planning to support NDIS professionals and families navigating the SDA journey. We're committed to hosting regular events that provide practical guidance, professional development opportunities, and networking possibilities.
To stay informed about upcoming workshops, property tours, and educational sessions, we encourage you to connect with us through our website and social media channels. We'll be announcing future events as they're scheduled, and we look forward to welcoming you to our properties and learning spaces.
How Paramount Disability Homes Can Support Your Clients
If you're an occupational therapist or support coordinator working with NDIS participants who may benefit from SDA, we're here to help. Our team understands the complexities of the SDA application process and can provide valuable support throughout the journey.
We offer property tours for prospective participants and their support teams, consultation on housing suitability and design requirements, information about available properties across our portfolio, and collaboration with support coordinators and OTs to ensure appropriate matches.
Our Preston apartments and other properties across Victoria represent our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible housing that genuinely supports independence and quality of life for participants.
Get in Touch
Whether you attended the workshop and have follow-up questions, or you're interested in learning more about how we can support your clients' housing needs, we welcome your enquiry.
Contact our team at (03) 9999 7418 or email us at admin@paramountdisabilityhomes.com to discuss how we can work together to achieve positive housing outcomes for NDIS participants.
At Paramount Disability Homes, we're more than property providers. We're partners in the journey towards independence, safety, and genuine choice and control for people with disability. Through education, collaboration, and purpose-built housing solutions, we're working to transform the SDA sector one participant, one professional, and one property at a time.
Supporting NDIS Professionals to Navigate the SDA Application Journey
This event is proudly hosted in collaboration with:
SDA Services Pty Ltd | Housing Hub | Paramount Disability Homes
Featuring guest speakers:
Greg Barry from SDA Services
Sinead M. from Housing Hub
The journey to securing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding can be complex and overwhelming for many NDIS participants. Understanding this challenge, Paramount Disability Homes recently hosted a comprehensive workshop at our Preston SDA apartments, bringing together over 70 occupational therapists, support coordinators, and NDIS professionals for an intensive learning session.
This free workshop, delivered in collaboration with SDA Services and Housing Hub, provided practical strategies and expert insights to help professionals better support their clients through the SDA application process.
Expert Speakers Share Industry Knowledge
The workshop featured two leading voices in the SDA sector, each bringing unique perspectives and decades of experience.
Greg Barry from SDA Services
Greg Barry founded SDA Services in 2017 and has been devotedly involved in the SDA space ever since, bringing lived experience as co-carer for his adult daughter with severe disability since her birth. His expertise spans legal backgrounds, property development, and practical SDA application support, making him one of Australia's most respected consultants in this field.
During the workshop, Greg focused on the critical elements that the NDIA looks for in SDA applications, sharing insights from hundreds of successful funding approvals. His presentation addressed common pitfalls in application processes and provided clear frameworks for building evidence-based reports that demonstrate genuine need and suitability for SDA funding.
Sinead McKee from Housing Hub
Housing Hub's support coordination team has successfully supported over 1,200 people to apply for NDIS housing and support funding, and their team won the team award at the 2023 Disability Staff Recognition Awards in Melbourne. Sinead brought this wealth of practical experience to the workshop, sharing real-world scenarios and collaborative strategies.
Her presentation explored the importance of coordination between housing providers, occupational therapists, and support coordinators in achieving successful outcomes for participants. She emphasised the collaborative nature of effective SDA applications and how different professionals can work together to build comprehensive cases.
Key Workshop Takeaways for NDIS Professionals
The workshop covered essential areas that directly impact the success of SDA applications. Participants gained practical knowledge across several critical domains.
Writing Strong Evidence-Based Reports
Occupational therapists learned how to craft detailed, evidence-based reports that clearly demonstrate a client's eligibility for SDA, with emphasis placed on articulating the client's needs, the impact of their disability on daily living, and the rationale for SDA funding in a structured and compelling manner.
The session provided templates and frameworks for documenting functional assessments, outlining specific housing requirements, and connecting individual needs to appropriate SDA design categories. Participants practiced translating clinical observations into language that addresses NDIA eligibility criteria effectively.
Understanding NDIA Requirements and Expectations
One of the most valuable aspects of the workshop was demystifying what the NDIA actually seeks in SDA applications. The speakers broke down the eligibility criteria into manageable components, explaining how to demonstrate that standard housing options are insufficient for the participant's needs.
The SDA assessment report completed by a qualified occupational therapist serves to determine whether someone is eligible for SDA funding under the NDIS and is one of the most important pieces of evidence in the application process. Understanding how to structure these reports correctly significantly increases approval success rates.
Collaboration Across Housing and Coordination Services
The workshop emphasised that successful SDA outcomes rely on effective collaboration between multiple professionals. Support coordinators, occupational therapists, SDA providers, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers all play crucial roles in the participant's journey.
When an occupational therapist collaborates with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, and social workers, it serves to strengthen the application for Specialist Disability Accommodation.
Participants explored strategies for building strong professional networks, improving communication pathways, and ensuring all parties work towards aligned goals for the participant.
Navigating Common Funding Barriers
The speakers addressed frequent challenges that arise during the SDA application process, including incomplete functional assessments, insufficient evidence of housing need, unclear connections between disability and housing requirements, and inadequate exploration of alternative options.
By understanding these common barriers in advance, professionals can proactively address them in their initial applications, reducing delays and increasing approval rates.
Our Preston SDA Apartments: A Practical Learning Environment
Hosting the workshop at our Preston SDA apartments provided attendees with a unique opportunity to experience purpose-built accessible housing first-hand. Participants toured the High Physical Support (HPS) apartments, observing design features and accessibility solutions in a real-world setting.
The Preston location showcases many of the elements discussed during the workshop, including reinforced structures for ceiling hoists, wide hallways and doorways accommodating mobility aids, accessible bathroom facilities with roll-in showers, lowered kitchen benches and fixtures for seated access, and smart home technology integration supporting independence.
This hands-on experience helped professionals better visualise the environments they're advocating for in their reports and applications. Many attendees noted that seeing the actual living spaces enhanced their understanding of how SDA design categories translate into practical daily living benefits.
Why Professional Development in SDA Matters
The SDA sector continues to evolve, with regular updates to guidelines, funding arrangements, and eligibility criteria. For occupational therapists and support coordinators working with NDIS participants, staying current with these changes is essential for effective advocacy.
Occupational therapists play a crucial role in the SDA application process by conducting specialised functional assessments on a potential tenant's needs and providing valuable insight to help clarify the participant's housing requirements.
Professional development opportunities like this workshop ensure that NDIS professionals have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to support participants effectively through the complex SDA journey. When professionals are well-equipped, participants benefit from stronger applications, reduced processing times, and ultimately, better housing outcomes.
The Importance of Education in the SDA Sector
At Paramount Disability Homes, we believe that education is fundamental to improving outcomes across the entire SDA ecosystem. When NDIS professionals understand the intricacies of the application process, participants receive better support and experience smoother transitions into suitable housing.
This commitment to education aligns with our broader mission to support participants holistically, not just through property provision but through comprehensive guidance and collaboration with their support networks. By investing in professional development opportunities for occupational therapists and support coordinators, we contribute to raising standards across the industry.
Looking Forward: Continued Partnership and Support
The overwhelming attendance and positive feedback from the workshop reinforced the need for ongoing educational initiatives in the SDA sector. Many participants expressed interest in future sessions covering specific topics such as appealing NDIA decisions, navigating plan reviews for housing funding, supporting participants with complex behavioural needs, and cultural considerations in SDA applications.
We remain committed to collaborating with organisations like SDA Services and Housing Hub to provide these valuable learning opportunities. The partnerships we've built through events like this workshop strengthen the entire support ecosystem surrounding NDIS participants.
Resources for Ongoing Learning
For professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of SDA applications and housing options, several resources provide valuable information and guidance.
Understanding SDA Fundamentals
If you're new to Specialist Disability Accommodation, our comprehensive guide explains the basics of SDA, including eligibility requirements, design categories, and the application process. This foundational knowledge is essential for anyone supporting participants through the housing journey.
Exploring SDA Design Categories
Different participants have different needs, which is why SDA offers multiple design categories. Learn more about Fully Accessible housing designed for wheelchair users and those with significant physical impairments, or explore Robust housing built for participants with complex behavioural support needs.
Determining Eligibility
One of the most common questions we receive concerns SDA eligibility. Our detailed guide on SDA eligibility requirements explains the criteria participants must meet and how occupational therapists can support the assessment process.
The Transition Journey
Once SDA funding is approved, participants face the practical aspects of moving into their new home. Our step-by-step transition guide walks through the entire process, from initial property selection to moving day and beyond.
Gratitude to Our Attendees and Partners
We extend our sincere thanks to the more than 70 NDIS professionals who attended the workshop. Your dedication to supporting people with disability to achieve better housing outcomes is inspiring, and your active participation made the event a tremendous success.
We're equally grateful to Greg Barry from SDA Services and Sinead McKee from Housing Hub for sharing their expertise so generously. Their commitment to raising standards in the SDA sector benefits participants across Australia.
Finally, we thank our partners at SDA Services and Housing Hub for their ongoing collaboration. Working together, we can create better pathways for NDIS participants to access suitable, safe, and sustainable housing solutions.
Join Us for Future Events
This workshop represents just one of many educational initiatives we're planning to support NDIS professionals and families navigating the SDA journey. We're committed to hosting regular events that provide practical guidance, professional development opportunities, and networking possibilities.
To stay informed about upcoming workshops, property tours, and educational sessions, we encourage you to connect with us through our website and social media channels. We'll be announcing future events as they're scheduled, and we look forward to welcoming you to our properties and learning spaces.
How Paramount Disability Homes Can Support Your Clients
If you're an occupational therapist or support coordinator working with NDIS participants who may benefit from SDA, we're here to help. Our team understands the complexities of the SDA application process and can provide valuable support throughout the journey.
We offer property tours for prospective participants and their support teams, consultation on housing suitability and design requirements, information about available properties across our portfolio, and collaboration with support coordinators and OTs to ensure appropriate matches.
Our Preston apartments and other properties across Victoria represent our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible housing that genuinely supports independence and quality of life for participants.
Get in Touch
Whether you attended the workshop and have follow-up questions, or you're interested in learning more about how we can support your clients' housing needs, we welcome your enquiry.
Contact our team at (03) 9999 7418 or email us at admin@paramountdisabilityhomes.com to discuss how we can work together to achieve positive housing outcomes for NDIS participants.
At Paramount Disability Homes, we're more than property providers. We're partners in the journey towards independence, safety, and genuine choice and control for people with disability. Through education, collaboration, and purpose-built housing solutions, we're working to transform the SDA sector one participant, one professional, and one property at a time.