Providing suitable and accessible housing for individuals with disabilities is a fundamental aspect of fostering inclusive communities. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a pivotal role in supporting Australians with disabilities by funding services and accommodations that enhance their quality of life. As we consider the different types of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) available, it becomes clear that focusing on High Physical Support properties is often the most impactful approach. While Robust and Fully Accessible builds have their roles, prioritising High Physical Support ensures that the most critical needs are met, offering long-term benefits for both residents and investors.
Who is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a comprehensive support system funded by the Australian government, designed to assist eligible individuals with disabilities. The scheme provides funding that enables participants to enjoy more time with family and friends, achieve greater independence, learn new skills, pursue employment or volunteer opportunities, and overall, experience an improved quality of life.
Beyond direct funding, the NDIS connects people with disabilities to a wide array of community services. These connections include access to healthcare professionals, community groups, sporting clubs, support networks, libraries, and educational institutions. Additionally, the NDIS offers information about support services provided by various state and territory governments, ensuring participants have comprehensive support tailored to their needs.
Today, the NDIS supports over 500,000 Australians with disabilities, underscoring its critical role in enhancing the wellbeing and community participation of a significant portion of the population.
What is an NDIS Property?
An NDIS property refers to housing specifically designed and constructed to meet the unique needs of individuals participating in the NDIS. These properties are crafted to provide accessible and supportive living environments, incorporating various modifications and accommodations that promote independence and improve the quality of life for residents. Features may include wheelchair accessibility, assistive technologies, and tailored support systems that enable residents to live autonomously and engage fully within their communities.
Categories of NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) under the NDIS encompasses three primary categories, each catering to different levels of support needs:
- High Physical Support
- Description: This category includes accommodations equipped with specialised features to support individuals with significant physical impairments.
- Key Features: Installations such as ceiling hoists, automated doors, wheelchair accessibility throughout the property, and emergency power solutions to support essential medical equipment.
- Robust
- Description: Robust accommodations are designed to be durable and secure, suitable for individuals who may exhibit behaviours of concern or require a safer living environment.
- Key Features: Reinforced walls and fittings, shatterproof glass, soundproofing, and secure spaces to ensure the safety of residents and support workers while minimising the risk of property damage.
- Fully Accessible
- Description: These properties provide comprehensive accessibility features for individuals with substantial physical disabilities.
- Key Features: Wide doorways and hallways, accessible bathroom and kitchen facilities, ramp access, and other modifications that facilitate easy and independent movement throughout the home.
Why Prioritise High Physical Support in NDIS Property Developments?
When developing NDIS properties, prioritising High Physical Support accommodations offers several compelling advantages:
- Addressing Higher Demand:
- There is a significant and growing need for housing that caters to individuals with severe physical disabilities. Prioritising High Physical Support properties helps meet this critical demand, ensuring that those with the most complex needs have access to appropriate and supportive living environments.
- Providing Essential Features:
- High Physical Support accommodations incorporate specialised and often essential modifications such as ceiling hoists and comprehensive wheelchair accessibility. These features are crucial for enhancing the daily lives and independence of residents with profound physical impairments.
- Future-Proofing Investments:
- By building to the High Physical Support standard, properties are better equipped to adapt to evolving needs over time. This approach ensures long-term suitability and reduces the need for costly modifications or upgrades in the future, making it a prudent investment strategy.
Disadvantages of Robust and Fully Accessible Builds for NDIS Properties
While Robust and Fully Accessible builds serve important roles, there are notable disadvantages to prioritising these categories over High Physical Support:
Robust Builds:
- Limited Demand:
- The specific and less prevalent needs addressed by Robust accommodations mean that demand for these properties may be comparatively lower, potentially leading to longer vacancy periods.
- Higher Construction Costs:
- The specialised materials and construction techniques required for Robust builds often result in higher upfront costs, which can impact the overall return on investment.
- Reduced Versatility:
- The highly specialised nature of Robust properties makes them less adaptable to other disability support needs, limiting flexibility in accommodating a broader range of residents.
Fully Accessible Builds:
- Insufficient for Severe Needs:
- While Fully Accessible properties cater well to certain disabilities, they may not provide the extensive support features necessary for individuals with the most severe physical impairments, limiting their utility for this demographic.
- Potential Market Saturation:
- In some regions, the supply of Fully Accessible properties may meet or exceed current demand, leading to increased competition and potential challenges in securing tenants.
- Future Modification Requirements:
- As residents’ needs evolve, Fully Accessible properties may require additional modifications to remain suitable, resulting in extra expenses and possible disruptions to occupancy.
Investing in High Physical Support NDIS properties presents a strategic opportunity to meet a critical and growing need within the community while ensuring sustainable and future-proof investments. By focusing on accommodations that provide extensive support features, developers and investors can contribute significantly to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with severe disabilities. Although Robust and Fully Accessible builds have their place, prioritising High Physical Support properties addresses the most pressing demands and offers greater adaptability and long-term viability. As the NDIS continues to evolve and expand, thoughtful and targeted investment in specialised accommodations will remain essential in building inclusive and supportive communities across Australia
If you’d like to explore current Mountain Assets investment opportunities get in touch with our team.
