SDA & SIL Funding: Important Reports Allied Health Must Prepare

Securing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) or Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding through the NDIS requires detailed, evidence-based reports from allied health professionals. These reports play a crucial role in justifying a participant’s need for either high-support housing or daily living supports.

In this article, we break down the key reports and documentation allied health providers need to prepare to ensure participants have the best chance of securing SDA or SIL funding.

1. Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)

Who completes it: Occupational Therapists (OTs), sometimes in collaboration with other disciplines.

Purpose: To evaluate how a person’s disability impacts their ability to perform daily tasks, including mobility, personal care, domestic tasks, and community participation.

Why it matters: This is the cornerstone of both SDA and SIL applications. It provides NDIS with evidence of functional impairments and how these impairments necessitate specific housing or support needs.

2. Housing Needs Assessment or SDA Housing Assessment

Who completes it: Occupational Therapists with experience in SDA requirements.

Purpose: Specifically focused on the environmental and housing needs of the participant, this report outlines why standard housing is unsuitable and how SDA will address those needs.

Key elements include:

• Reasonable and necessary justifications

• Risk assessments

• Design category recommendations (e.g., Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust)

3. SIL Assessment or ADL (Activities of Daily Living) Assessment

Who completes it: OTs, and sometimes psychologists or nurses in multidisciplinary teams.

Purpose: To determine the level of support the person requires for day-to-day tasks and how often these supports are needed. This informs the development of a SIL Roster of Care.

Includes:

• Supervision requirements

• Assistance with personal care, cooking, medication management

• Frequency and duration of support needs

4. Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP)

Who completes it: Behaviour Support Practitioners or Psychologists.

Purpose: For participants with behaviours of concern, this plan is vital for both SDA (especially Robust housing) and SIL applications. It outlines strategies to manage behaviours safely and effectively.

Key considerations:

• Environmental triggers

• Staff training needs

• Safety requirements for housing and staffing

5. Mental Health or Cognitive Assessment

Who completes it: Psychologists or Neuropsychologists.

Purpose: To assess cognitive functioning, mental health needs, and decision-making capacity. This is often crucial for understanding the level of support needed and justifying certain funding requests.

6. Allied Health Summary Report

Who completes it: Any allied health professional (OT, physio, speech pathologist, etc.), or a team collaboratively.

Purpose: A summary of all relevant clinical findings and recommendations, tying together evidence from different disciplines to support an SDA or SIL funding request.

Should include:

• Participant’s goals

• Alignment with NDIS criteria

• Clinical reasoning

Tips for Strong Reports

• Use NDIS language like “reasonable and necessary”

• Link recommendations to the participant’s NDIS goals

• Be clear, evidence-based, and include functional examples

• Collaborate with support coordinators for comprehensive documentation

Looking for SDA Accommodation?

We’re here to help. Whether you need support gathering reports, finding providers, or navigating the NDIS system, get in touch with our team. Let’s work together to help you find your perfect home.

Our team At Ausnew Home Care is here to assist you in finding the perfect living arrangement that supports your independence and well-being.

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This article is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional advice. Always consult with your NDIS planner or support coordinator for personalized guidance.