At the 3rd National SDA Conference in Brisbane, one message came through clearly: people with disability want housing that reflects not only their accessibility needs but also their lives, aspirations, and sense of belonging.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is more than meeting compliance standards or building accessible spaces—it is about creating homes that enable people to live fully, safely, and independently while feeling valued in their communities. The voices of participants at the conference offered a roadmap for providers to reflect on what matters most.
It’s safe to say, SDA from a participant’s perspective is about more than just the design.
Participants emphasised that SDA homes must be designed with care and foresight. This means thinking beyond ramps and widened doorways to consider the everyday realities of living well. Space, comfort, and usability were central to the discussion. People want homes that feel generous and functional, not restrictive or clinical.
Equally important is the community context. A home cannot truly be inclusive if the surroundings create barriers. Accessible neighbourhoods—close to shops, services, and family—are vital. Participants highlighted how location and thoughtful integration into the wider community make the difference between living in isolation and living as part of society.
And of course, it cannot be overstated that their home needs to feel secure but not segregated.
Tenants also spoke about the need for security, both physical and emotional. Strong communication and transparency are essential. Residents want to feel in control of their environment and aware of who is entering their home. They need rapid responsiveness when things go wrong, whether it’s a repair or a change in routine, for many who rely on supports to achieve daily tasks they understand appreciate changes to rosters and the like can occur but forewarning or at the very least advising before someone shows up is paramount.
Underlying these points is a clear message: participants want to feel safe, respected, and empowered in their homes. Security is not only about locks and alarms; it’s about trust in providers and support systems.
While housing is the foundation, the support people receive inside those walls is equally important. Attendees called for providers to do a better job of demonstrating responsiveness, compassion, and attention to detail.
Choice was highlighted repeatedly: choice of carers, choice in daily routines, and choice in how feedback is heard and acted upon. Many participants emphasised the value of staff with lived experience—people who can empathise and truly understand the challenges and aspirations of tenants. For participants, these factors are not luxuries but essential elements of quality care.
Looking to the Future
The vision for the future of SDA, as shared by participants, is one where housing is not just about meeting minimum standards but about fostering dignity, autonomy, and social inclusion. People want homes that are tenant-focused, designed with compassion, and adaptable to evolving needs. They want options—options in location, in home design, and in pathways to stability such as ownership or long-term security.
The voices at the conference were united in one thing: SDA is not just about housing—it is about people. Every participant called for providers to listen more deeply to those who live in these homes, and to use those insights as the blueprint for innovation.
For SDA providers, the message is simple yet profound. Building better homes means building with heart. It means engaging tenants not as end-users but as partners in design and delivery. It means creating housing that does more than provide shelter—it creates opportunity, stability, and belonging.
As we reflect on the conference, the challenge for all of us in the sector is to translate these insights into practice. Because when we listen to lived experience, we don’t just build houses—we build homes that matter.
