Key points:
The SDA Price guide 2017-2018 states All shared areas and the majority of bedrooms and similar sized private rooms must comply with the Minimum Requirements
The minimum requirements are based on assessment against the provisions of the Livable Housing Design Guidelines (LHDG) (typically to Silver or Platinum level, depending on the nominated design category for the dwelling)
The LHDG are typically Performance-Based Guidelines except Page 11 states:
…unless the
Guidelines are referenced by a state, territory or local government authority or regulation in which
case the relevant requirements specified by an Authority shall then be mandatory. If the Guidelines
are being relied upon for a regulatory purpose, for example a development application, then
advice should be sought from the relevant regulatory authority as to which of the requirements
are mandatory. If the Guidelines are to be used as a benchmark for Silver, Gold or Platinum level
Certification, then all of the requirements detailed in the Guidelines must be met.”
A dwelling also needs to be enrolled as part of the SDA scheme, in order for a resident that is eligible for SDA funding to live there whilst receiving funding based on eligibility determined during an assessment of their housing plan
As I see it, a conundrum exists as follows:
1. Under the SDA rules / NDIS SDA price guide is it permissible to utilise a Performance-Based approach as part of the Livable Housing Design Assessment to meet eligibility criteria for enrolment as an SDA “suitable dwelling?” (as opposed to fulfilling all LHA design elements on a mandatory basis)
2. When will Edition 5 of the Livable Housing Design Guidelines be published to respond to certain anomilies with regard to the Livable Housing design criteria that needs to be met; a typical example relates to Toilets (& inter-alia Bathrooms) Part 4 (a) of the guidelines in relation to (Gold) & Platinum assessments regarding circulation spaces to fulfil criteria for fully accessible and high physical support enrolment
I imagine we need to watch this space – hopefully common sense will prevail & Performance-Based design outcomes for proposed SDA Enrolment dwellings, may be (within reason) accepted.
Francis Lenny
23rd October 2018

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