The four SDA categories: Robust

If you or your loved one lives with complex behavioural or intellectual disabilities, it can be hard to find a safe and secure place to call home with the professionalism and support you need to live a fulfilling life. However, with the help of the four SDA categories, we can confidently find the perfect fit for you.

Robust SDA homes are designed for individuals with complex behaviours or who may pose a safety risk. These accommodations feature impact-resistant construction, secure rooms, and sensory-friendly spaces, providing a safe, durable environment that helps manage stress and reduces potential hazards, supporting both residents and caregivers effectively.

Everyone deserves a home where they feel safe, comfortable and supported. At Maple, we take this to heart by offering top-quality SDA housing designed to meet your unique needs. We focus on ensuring your safety and promoting your independence, creating a sanctuary where you can truly thrive and call home with pride.

What is Robust SDA?

Robust Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are homes designed for people who have complex behaviours or who may pose a risk to themselves or others. These homes are built with resilience and safety in mind, providing environments that can withstand intense use and reduce the potential for harm. 

Robust SDA focuses on creating secure, durable, and supportive living spaces that cater to the unique needs of residents with challenging behaviour. However, robust SDA homes are not just about being sturdy; they are thoughtfully constructed to provide a calming and controlled environment for residents who require more than just standard living conditions.

What is included in SDA Robust?

Robust homes are one of the four categories under the Specialist Disability Accommodation funding with the NDIS. Each home is tailored to the specific needs of the resident but will include hardy materials and features to ensure safety for both residents and caregivers.

Durable and impact-resistant design

Robust SDA homes are built to handle a lot. Think of a place where every material and fixture is chosen for its strength and durability:

• Impact-resistant walls and surfaces that can withstand high levels of wear and tear.
• Heavy duty fixtures and fittings such as reinforced doors, robust cabinetry, and tamper-proof installations, designed to endure intense use and prevent damage.

Enhanced safety features

Safety is a cornerstone of Robust SDA, with features designed to protect residents and people close to them:

• Safe and secure rooms specifically designed for residents to use for de-escalation and to regain control during periods of heightened stress or agitation.
• Minimised hazards, keeping homes free of sharp edges, breakable materials, and other potential hazards, reducing the risk of injury.
• Controlled access and secure entry systems that prevent unauthorised access while allowing residents and caregivers to enter and exit safely.

Calming and structured environments

These homes are designed to provide a soothing environment that helps to manage and reduce challenging behaviours:

• Low stimulation areas that minimise sensory overload and provide a retreat from potential stressors.
• Clear and predictable layouts with straightforward, easy-to-navigate designs that reduce confusion and help maintain routines.
• Sensory friendly features such as use of colour, lighting, and textures that promote a calming atmosphere and support emotional regulation.

Tailored to complex needs

Robust SDA homes are more than just strong; they are carefully designed to meet the specific needs of their residents:

• Behavioural support considerations such as spaces that accommodate the needs of residents with challenging behaviours, including areas for privacy and activities that reduce stress.
• Integration with care services allowing for smooth coordination with behavioural therapists and other professionals.

Community and proximity to services

Robust SDA housing are located within supportive communities and close to essential services to enhance the overall living experience:

• Accessible locations and proximity to healthcare, public transport, community services, and support networks that provide comprehensive care and integration into the community.
• Supportive neighbourhoods that promote social inclusion and engagement.

What disabilities is Robust SDA for?

Robust Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is meticulously designed for people who have complex behavioural needs or who may pose a risk to themselves or others. If you or a loved one live with any of the following conditions, you may be eligible for SDA funding.

Autism Spectrum disorder

For those with autism, especially those prone to sensory overload or challenging behaviours, Robust SDA offers:

• Sensory-friendly spaces including low-stimulation areas, soothing colours, and controlled lighting to minimise sensory triggers and create a calming atmosphere.
• Safe zones for de-escalation where residents can retreat to regain composure during periods of stress or agitation, helping to manage meltdowns effectively.
• Durable and secure environments such as reinforced walls and tamper-proof fixtures that withstand intense use.

Severe mental health conditions

People living with severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, often require environments that can handle high-stress and potential safety concerns. Robust SDA offers:

• Safe and controlled access to ensure safety while allowing for easy exit in emergencies.
• Minimised hazards to reduce the risk of self-harm or injury.
• Supportive and stable settings to reduce the likelihood of triggers that can escalate symptoms.

Behavioural or intellectual disorders with aggressive or self-harming tendencies

For people living with behavioural or intellectual disorders who may exhibit aggressive or self-harming behaviours need homes that prioritise their safety and well-being. Robust SDA provides:

• Secure and safe rooms where residents can safely de-escalate and calm down, reducing the risk of harm during intense episodes.
• Durable fixtures and fittings that prevent injury and withstand challenging behaviours.
• Comforting and calming environments with sensory-friendly designs that create a soothing atmosphere, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Behavioural support features that accommodate therapeutic interventions and activities to help residents manage and improve their behaviours.

Why choose Robust SDA with Maple?

Choosing Robust SDA with Maple means selecting a home that’s not only resilient but also thoughtfully designed to meet your unique needs. Maple stands out by offering secure, impact-resistant environments tailored for your loved ones with complex behaviours. 

Our homes feature safe spaces, sensory-friendly designs, and reinforced structures, ensuring a sanctuary where you or your loved one can thrive. With a dedicated team available 24/7 and a commitment to integrating therapeutic and calming elements, Maple delivers a nurturing, supportive community that enhances the well-being of all of our residents. 

Reach out to our friendly team today to find out more about our SDA Robust housing.