PARTICIPANT FAQ
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer to what your looking for, feel free to contact us!
WHAT IS THE NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the new way of providing support for Australians with disability, their families and carers. The NDIS will provide about 460,000 Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.
More information can be found at: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/what-ndis
WHO ARE ABILITY SDA?
Ability SDA are an approved NDIS provider specialising in Specialist Disability Accommodation. The directors of Ability SDA have extensive experience in finance, property, tenancy management, aged care, retirement and the disability sector.
WHAT IS SDA?
One of the supports that may be funded for some participants who have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs is Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). SDA refers to accommodation for people who require specialist housing solutions, including assisting with the delivery of supports that cater for their extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. From 1 July 2016, eligible participants will have SDA funding included in their plan enabling them to source the SDA they require and choose from the market.
SDA funding is for the dwelling itself, and is not intended to cover support costs (such as Supported Independent Living), which are assessed and funded separately by the NDIS. For further information refer to: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/specialist-disability-accommodation-explained
HOW DO I ACCESS SDA FUNDING?
SDA funding is assessed by the NDIA on an individual basis; you also need to be a NDIS participant. Speak with your support coordinator about your housing goals and complete the NDIS Home and Living Form.
WHAT IS THE RENT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE APARTMENT?
Rent will be set at 25% of the disability support pension plus 100% of Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Tenants will also be required to pay for all utilities and food.
HOW DO I PAY RENT?
Rent can be paid electronically via direct debit or a periodic payment.
CAN I HAVE A PET?
Yes our apartments are pet friendly. The Landlord allows pets within reason and subject to approval.
CAN I SMOKE IN MY APARTMENT?
Smoking is not permitted on the property.
CAN I HAVE ANOTHER PERSON MOVE IN WITH ME?
Yes you can live with a partner/friend or family member.
ARE THERE SPRINKLERS?
All Ability Apartments are fitted with fire sprinklers.
WHAT IS THE SAFETY AND FIRE PLAN FOR APARTMENT LIVING?
Your support team will develop an evacuation procedure individually for you. Please familiarise yourself with the fire safety and emergency plans for the building. If you hear an alarm, contact and follow the directions of the overnight support manager.
• Every Ability SDA Apartment has fire sprinklers and an integrated fire/smoke alarm system. In the event of a fire, the alarm will notify all residents to evacuate.
• If there is a fire in your apartment, the sprinklers will drop down and begin to douse the fire.
• If smoke or fire is in your apartment, vacate your apartment and travel to the fire isolated stair landing zone within the fire exit on your level. Wait on the landing and from there you will be rescued by the fire brigade.
• If there is no visible smoke or fire, but the alarm is sounding, remain in your apartment, call 000 and then call your support workers. The fire brigade will rescue you directly from your apartment.
• Your apartment forms its own fire safety compartment. This means that the hottest fire will take at least 90 minutes to travel from a neighbouring common space into your unit. This means for example, as a worst case, the Fire Brigade has at least 90 minutes to rescue you.
• In the event of fire, the brigade will always prioritise the safety of a person and preservation of life over possessions.
• Get to know your neighbours. If you have been evacuated during an emergency, check to see if your neighbours are ok too.
DO I NEED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE?
The Landlord will pay for building insurance. It is advisable for you to take out contents insurance to protect against the loss or damage of your personal possessions.
HOW DO I GIVE FEEDBACK OR REPORT AN INCIDENT?
Feedback or complaints can be made via our website . If your feedback relates to the building operations you can contact the Property Manager directly. Feedback relating to support can be provided directly to your support provider.
DO ABILITY SDA PROVIDE PERSONALISED SUPPORT?
Ability SDA does not provide the support. They are the accommodation (building) provider only.
IS THERE AN ONSITE SUPPORT PROVIDER?
Yes there is an OOA, we can link you with them if you like.
WHAT TYPE OF 24/7 SUPPORT DO I RECEIVE?
Shared overnight support is available 24/7 in the building. You have choice and control to use your own supports and/or use the onsite overnight support provider.
WHO WILL BE THE ONSITE OVERNIGHT SUPPORT PROVIDER?
For each building, Ability SDA initially appoints an onsite overnight support provider.
CAN I EMPLOY MY OWN SUPPORTS?
Yes you can exercise your choice and control. You can bring your own supports, we generally encourage mixed supports as this means greater flexibility for our tenants.
DO I SHARE ALL MY SUPPORT WITH OTHER TENANTS?
No, only the emergency backup support will be shared.
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY AND SUITABILITY REQUIREMENTS?
Eligibility and suitability requirements are listed on our eligibility page.
