SDA Mastery
Welcome to ‘SDA Mastery,’ the podcast series hosted by Tania Gomez Consulting. In each episode, we’ll be sharing valuable insights and tips that can help you learn the intricacies of Specialist Disability Accommodation. We’ll demystify the entire SDA process, give you direct access to experts in the field, and help you to discover what life is like, as an SDA provider. Whether you’re thinking about leaping into SDA or looking to level up your existing NDIS business, you’re in the right place! Come on in! Let’s explore the SDA space together.
Episodes

Wednesday May 01, 2024
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Welcome to another engaging episode of the SDA Mastery podcast where we're joined by Rachel, founder and CEO of Allara Support Services. Let us dive deep into the nuances of SIL and its integral role within the SDA landscape. Throughout the episode, Rachel shares her extensive experience in the disability sector, focusing on her journey and innovations in providing SIL services. Learn about the distinct differences between SDA and SIL and its models.
Join us as we explore the challenges and breakthroughs in SIL provision, offering actionable insights for SDA providers and those considering entering the field. Whether you're an industry professional or someone interested in the dynamics of disability support services, this episode is packed with valuable information aimed at enhancing understanding and service delivery.
Episode Highlights:00:54 About Allara and Rachel's Journey as a SIL Provider02:34 Difference Between SDA and SIL03:40 Day to Day Inside a SIL Home04:19 SIL Models11:54 What Makes a Good SIL Provider15:34 Advice to New SDA Providers18:20 Future trends and predictions in SIL and SDA
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Website: https://taniagomez.com.au/sda-mastery-series/
#SDAMastery #DisabilityAwareness #SIL #NDISProvider #NDIS #NDISAustralia #SDA #SDAMastery #NDISConsultant #TGC #TaniaGomezConsulting

Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Curious about best practices or the nitty-gritty of commercial models? Wondering about the dynamic between SDA and SIL providers? We've got answers! Plus, we'll dish out tips on managing conflicts of interest and demystify the SDA plan review process. In this episode, where we engage in a deep dive into the transformative journey of becoming an SDA provider. Our special guest, a former teacher and public guardian office employee, shares their unique perspective on the profound positive social changes facilitated by SDA and the crucial role it plays in offering housing choices to individuals with disabilities. The conversation encompasses various facets of SDA provision, from defining the role of an SDA provider and exploring diverse business models to emphasizing the distinction between SDA providers and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers. Our guest underscores the importance of values-based approaches and person-centred care, shedding light on the challenges and rewards inherent in the SDA provider role. Practical insights, such as payment structures and the Reasonable Rental Contribution (RRC), are explored, offering a comprehensive understanding of the operational aspects. The episode culminates with invaluable advice for those venturing into the SDA space, advocating for a participant-led model and emphasizing thorough research to ensure a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. If you're passionate about making a difference in the disability care landscape, this episode is a must-listen, providing a roadmap to navigate complexities and contribute positively to the SDA community.
⭐Episode Highlights:
00:25 - Dan's SDA journey from teaching to the Office of the Public Guardian, witnessing the need for enhanced housing options for people with disabilities.
01:00 - Motivation for positive social change and improved housing options through SDA, focusing on choices for individuals and well-being.
02:27 - Clarifying SDA providers as NDIS-registered entities, separating roles of building houses and providing support services.
03:55 - Addressing confusion about SDA providers building houses, emphasizing a people-centred approach and NDIS Commission standards.
04:50 - Best practices for SDA providers: people-centred approach, cultural values, positive social impact, and compliance.
06:11 - Commercial models of SDA providers, direct agreements with NDIS participants, collaborative relationships with SIL providers.
07:50 - Attributes of a good SIL provider, recognizing when not the best fit, collaboration between SDA and SIL providers.
09:55 - Relationship between SDA and SIL providers, addressing co-tenancy issues, and providing holistic support.
12:10 - Attributes of a good SIL provider, diversity of support requirements within the disability community.
13:03 - Conflict of interest between SDA and SIL providers, emphasizing ethical principles, choice, and control for NDIS participants.
14:56 - Challenges for SDA providers: managing investor expectations and aligning them with market reality.
16:35 - Rewards of being an SDA provider: contributing to positive social change, and working with passionate individuals.
18:10 - Career transition from teacher/public servant to running a for-profit business, excitement, and challenges of decision control.
20:11 - Expansion plans for SDA housing in Queensland, maintaining high-quality service amid exponential growth.
22:10 - Technical details of SDA provider payments, monthly subsidy, reasonable rental contributions, and investor charges.
25:01 - Clarifying disability support pension, rent segmentation, utilities, and food costs for SDA participants.
27:01 - Participant-led model in SDA, balancing stakeholder interests, advice for new providers focusing on participant needs.
29:13 - Advice for new SDA providers: research, collaboration, market consideration, and participant needs.
30:11 - Conclusion: Addressing potential SDA providers, simplifying complexities in the SDA space.
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📢Don't miss the inspiring and transformative episodes! Subscribe, follow, like, comment and share your takeaways! Join our growing community on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube : @taniagomezconsultingWebsite: https://taniagomez.com.au/sda-mastery-series/
#NDIS #NDISprovider #NDISAustralia #podcast #SDA #SIL #invest #housing #property #accommodation #disability #NDIA #ROI #investment #businesstips #ndisregisteredprovider #accessibility #inclusive #NDISparticipantsIn

Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
In this video, the host interviews David, Chief Executive Officer of Adapt Housing, about the recent changes in the SDA Price Guide. David explains that the changes have brought a lot of positives for participants, investors, and developers. One significant change is the increased funding for improved livability in fully accessible housing, which was previously neglected. However, there has been a drop in funding for high physical support apartments. David also discusses the challenge participants face in getting the right level of funding and highlights the journey of Brendon, a participant who had to fight for the right funding for his forever home. Overall, the video provides valuable insights into the impact of the recent changes in the SDA Price Guide.
⭐Episode Highlights:
0:57 - Adapt Housing and Background
2:26 - Recent Changes in the SDA Price Guide
4:09 - Positive Changes for Participants and Properties
4:25 - Negative Changes in Apartment Funding
5:47 - Expectations for Future Changes
7:04 - Importance of Consistency in Participant Funding
9:02 - The Journey of Brendon Woolf
11:01 - Challenges and Solutions in Getting Funding
13:42 - Special Requirements and Individual Solutions
📢Don't miss the inspiring and transformative episodes! Subscribe, follow, like, comment and share your takeaways!
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Website: https://taniagomez.com.au/sda-mastery-series/

Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
In this episode, join Brendon Woolf as he shares his inspiring three-year journey of applying for and obtaining Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Brendon discusses his initial motivation for applying, the challenges he faced during the process, and the importance of choice and control in home and living decisions for participants. Despite setbacks and multiple appeals, Brendon's determination and advocacy ultimately led to the approval of his application. He now resides in his own home, surrounded by memorabilia that represents his hard-fought victory. Brendon's story serves as an inspiration to others considering SDA and highlights the positive shifts in the agency's thinking regarding participant-led decisions and increased funding for SDA.
⭐Episode Highlights:
1:03 - Brendon's Journey to SDA
2:39 - Applying for SDA
3:16 - Challenges with SDA Application
4:37 - Appealing to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
8:12 - Long Process of Appeals
10:42 - Positive Shift in Agency's Thinking
11:34 - Adapt Housing and Assistance
13:45 - Living in Logan Lane
15:16 - SDA Design Standards and Participant Input
16:35 - Independent Support Workers
17:01 - Making the Home Personal
20:49 - Future Goals: Employment and Advocacy
22:39 - Importance of SDA for Participants
22:59 - Importance of Location in SDA
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Website: https://taniagomez.com.au/sda-mastery-series/

Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
In this video, David Whitelaw from Adapt Housing discusses the process of building an SDA property. He highlights the importance of location, proximity to amenities, and good transport for SDA properties. He also discusses the need to consider the care provision and configuration of the property, taking into account whether participants want to live alone or in shared services. Whitelaw emphasizes the role of an SDA access consultant in getting a property registered under the SDA, and the codes and standards that need to be met. He also shares insights on the time required to build an SDA property and the key stakeholders involved. Additionally, he addresses the challenges and metrics for a good SDA provider. Overall, this video provides valuable information for individuals interested in understanding the process and considerations involved in building an SDA property.
⭐Episode Highlights:
1:14 - The Importance of Location
2:00 - Considerations for Configuration and Care Provision
2:46 - The Role of an SDA Access Consultant
3:22 - Codes and Standards for SDA Properties
4:55 - Timeline for Building an SDA Property
5:36 - Key Stakeholders in the Building Process
7:17 - Finding Suitable Land for SDA Premises
8:00 - Choosing the Right Builder for SDA
8:57 - Enrollment of Dwellings Process
10:37 - Qualities of a Good SDA Provider
13:38 - Qualities of a Good SIL Provider
14:13 - Minimizing Risk of Vacancy through Location and Design
16:28 - Considerations for Potential SDA Providers
17:53 - Challenges Faced by SDA Providers
📢Don't miss the inspiring and transformative episodes! Subscribe, follow, like, comment and share your takeaways!
Join our growing community on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube : @taniagomezconsulting
Website: https://taniagomez.com.au/sda-mastery-series/

Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
In this video, Tania Gomez Consulting interviews Debbie Kindness and Minh Le of NDIS Property Australia to discuss the basics of design categories for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes. They delve into different categories such as Improved Livability, Robust, Fully Accessible, and High Physical Support, explaining their features and funding levels. The interview highlights the factors that determine these categories' pricing, including the construction cost and land requirements. They also address the role of SDA assessors in determining the category of a house and the challenges faced when the available houses don't meet the desired standards. Overall, this video provides valuable insights into the design categories of SDA homes and their impact on funding and accessibility.
⭐Episode Highlights:
2:57 - IL (Improved Livability) Category
3:39 - Robust Category
4:46 - Fully Accessible Category
5:40 - High Physical Support Category
7:26 - Pricing Differences of Categories
8:00 - Determining SDA Category
9:11 - Availability Challenges
10:22 - Participants with Different Funding Levels
📢Don't miss the inspiring and transformative episodes! Subscribe, follow, like, comment and share your takeaways!
Join our growing community on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube : @taniagomezconsulting
Website: https://taniagomez.com.au/sda-mastery-series/

Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
In this video, Debbie Kindness and Minh Le of NDIS Property Australia answer a hot and frequently asked question about the difference between SIL (Supported Independent Living) and SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) providers. The video explains that the SDA provider manages the property, tenant agreements, NDIS clients, care providers, and funding from NDIS and Centrelink. On the other hand, the SIL provider is the organisation that actually provides care to the participants living on the property. The video also discusses the complexities of the SIL providers, including the variations in registered and unregistered providers, independent contractor carers, and the role of choice and control for the participants. The video emphasises the importance of a close and careful working relationship between the SIL and SDA providers to ensure successful support delivery.
⭐ Episode Highlights:
0:38 - Difference between SIL and SDA provider
1:35 - Roles of SDA provider
1:40 - Roles of SIL provider
1:56 - Complexity of SIL providers
2:39 - Multitenant properties and onsite overnight assistance
3:03 - Individual participant's carers
3:26 - Challenges in SIL and SDA relationship
4:26 - Challenges in participant's choice of providers
5:46 - Conflict of interest: Property owner as SDA and SIL provider
6:36 - Potential conflicts and issues
8:23 - Becoming an SDA provider
9:02 - Separation of services
📢Don't miss the inspiring and transformative episodes! Subscribe, follow, like, comment and share your takeaways!
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Website: https://taniagomez.com.au/sda-mastery-series/

Sunday Jan 28, 2024
Sunday Jan 28, 2024
In this video, Tania from NDIS Property Australia answers questions about how to become a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider and the registration process. Tania explains that to become an SDA provider, individuals need to decide if they want to be a registered provider and what services they want to deliver. The process involves creating a PRODA account and filling out an application form with the NDIS Commission. Tania also discusses the audit process for SDA providers, including stage one and stage two audits. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining compliance and the potential challenges and costs associated with it.
⭐Episode Highlights:
1:11 - Becoming an SDA Provider
2:35 - Deciding to be an SDA Provider
3:26 - Application Process
4:36 - Preparing for the Audit
5:46 - Audit Process for SDA Provider
7:41 - Time Frame for Registration
9:24 - Failure Rate in Audits
10:17 - Auditors and NDIS Regulations
10:54 - Being an Unregistered SDA Provider
12:46 - Costs of Maintaining Compliance
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Website: https://taniagomez.com.au/sda-mastery-series/

Sunday Jan 28, 2024
Sunday Jan 28, 2024
In this episode of SDA Mastery, Tania Gomez Consulting dives into the intricacies of specialist disability accommodation (SDA). Tania welcomes Debbie to the show to discuss the basics of SDA and how it differs from other disability supports. They also explore the process of funding SDA properties and calculating returns on investment. The episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration between investors, builders, SDA providers, SIL providers, and assessors. Whether you're new to SDA or looking to invest, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights and help you navigate the world of specialist disability accommodation.
⭐Episode Highlights:
1:21 - What is specialist disability accommodation?
2:48 - Different types of specialist disability accommodation
3:00 - Funding for specialist disability accommodation
8:57 - Calculating return on investment for specialist disability accommodation
10:20 - Advantages of investing in specialist disability accommodation
11:49 - Risks of investing in specialist disability accommodation
27:46 - Collaboration among stakeholders
28:44 - Steps to start investing in specialist disability accommodation
29:53 - How NGOs Property Australia can help investors
📢Don't miss the inspiring and transformative episodes! Subscribe, follow, like, comment and share your takeaways!
Join our growing community on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube : @taniagomezconsulting
Website: https://taniagomez.com.au/sda-mastery-series/