Person-centred design principles for robust Specialist Disability Accommodation
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provides purpose-built housing for NDIS participants with significant functional impairments or high support needs. The robust design category specifically addresses participants who may exhibit behaviours of concern, often triggered by environmental factors.
Why a person-centred approach matters
Effective robust SDA design begins with understanding each resident's unique preferences and triggers. When homes feel domestic rather than institutional, residents tend to experience better outcomes, including greater independence and improved wellbeing.
Seven core design principles
- Enable person-centred co-design, involving residents, families and support teams from the outset.
- Create homelike spaces, using domestic-scale rooms and natural materials.
- Maximise independence through accessible design elements.
- Maximise safety and comfort by identifying environmental triggers.
- Support choice and interaction, with flexible social and retreat spaces.
- Enable effective support delivery through thoughtful staff infrastructure.
- Deliver adaptable design that accommodates evolving needs.
In practice
Projects that apply these principles tend to report fewer behavioural incidents, higher occupancy rates and better staff retention. We provide SDA consultation across New South Wales and Western Australia, aiming to meet both the NDIS SDA Design Standard and the wellbeing of the people who'll actually live there.