A place to call home - Jason’s SDA journey
Jason and Jodi, JP Trusted Advisor’s Director and Specialist Support Coordinator, outside Jason’s new SDA home.
Meet Jason, a JP Trusted Advisor client, who recently moved into his own Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), thanks to the support of his family, the service provision of Rocky Bay and the guidance of Jodi, JP Trusted Advisor’s Director and Specialist Support Coordinator.
For Jason, having his own place to call home means he has independence and choice. “It gives me peace of mind for the future,” he says.
The newly built SDA property is tailored to meeting Jason’s needs and the process of getting there is a story of collaboration, self-determination and the impact of well-coordinated NDIS supports.
“It’s really the people that make these places,” Jason replies when asked what he loves the most about his new SDA home. “I like the people I live with and the staff,” he smiles. And, for Jason, the people around him have played a huge role in making the transition a success – from his family, to his housemates and the Rocky Bay team to the support of his NDIS providers who helped guide him through the process.
Jason lives with two other men in a SDA home operated by Rocky Bay, where he receives day to day support and assistance, enabling him to live his life the way he chooses and work towards achieving his goals. But what makes this more than just a place to live, is the sense of belonging Jason feels.
“I did respite with one of the guys,” says Jason “and I have known the other guy for a few years.”
“Because Jason knew them, we thought it would be a good match. And it has been,” adds Debbie, Jason’s mum.
Finding the right SDA property
Jason has had SDA in his NDIS plan since 2020, but his journey to finding the right home to suit his needs wasn’t found immediately – and that was a deliberate choice by Jason.
“Jason was offered a different SDA property some time ago,” explains Jodi, “but it wasn’t right for Jason and he declined it.”
“I only wanted to move once,” says Jason confidently. “That house wasn’t right for me, the layout wouldn’t have worked and I didn’t like the location.”
“For Jason, having his own bathroom was a priority and the location was really important to both of us,” says Debbie. “Where Jason is living now, it’s just minutes from where I live, I can walk over to see him.”
This is when having a specialist support coordinator can provide the support needed to help participants filter through different SDA options, so you don’t feel you need to rush decisions, while supporting you to make choices that align not only with your support needs, but will be the right choice for you in the long term.
Specialist support coordination - support that is tailored and trusted
Through every step of the process in finding Jason a SDA property that suited his needs, Jodi was there. Not to make decisions for Jason, but to ensure he had all the right information, people, supports, services and tools around him to help him make the decision for himself.
“There was a lot of planning,” says Debbie. “Jodi supported Jason with the whole transition and he also worked with his physio and OT, his physio has been with him since 1999.”
“I always felt like I was in the driver’s seat,” says Jason.
“And, that’s exactly the outcome we try to deliver,” adds Jodi.
The support Jodi provides to Jason extends beyond finding an SDA. Jodi also helps Jason confidently self-manage his NDIS plan and choosing his own providers, something he continues to do successfully.
“Even though Jason has settled really well into the home, he continues to access a range of services to make sure he’s supported really well to continue living his life the way he wants, while achieving his goals and ensuring his needs are met. Rocky Bay have been amazing in helping Jason transition to his own home and with the support of his family and his housemates, Jason’s found his place to call home,” says Jodi.
“Having someone external, like Jodi, is really important,” says Jason. “There are no conflicts there.”
Debbie agrees, “They see it from an outside point of view. They know the providers, they advocate, they bring a calm, experienced approach. It’s a good thing to have.”
Jason’s top tips for finding the right SDA property
How do you know what to look for when trying to find the right SDA property? “Just start looking,” says Jason. “I looked at a number of options with Mum and Jodi. The first place doesn’t have to be the only choice.”
Jason’s message, you don’t have to say yes to the first SDA property that is offered, is a powerful reminder. In Jason’s case, turning down his first option, because he knew the layout wasn’t suited to his needs and the location was too far away from family, led to a much better outcome for him.
“Know what you want,” Debbie adds. “Do your research, understand the area you want to live in and why. Also, look into the organisations who are delivering the care. Trust the right people and call on them for help and before you move in ask the service providers who will be supporting you in the SDA home about expectations like your transport plan, transfer plan and eating plan. Knowing this, helps make the transition easier and smoother.”
Our guide for navigating SDA with a specialist support coordinator
When planning for SDA, it’s important to consider the following:
1. Work with your specialist support coordinator to ensure you have a clear idea on what matters most to you
Your specialist support coordinator can help you define your goals, preferences and non-negotiables from the layout to the location, to the providers who will be supporting you and how you want to be supported day to day. They will make sure your SDA plan reflects your goals, priorities and support needs.
2. Your specialist support coordinator can help you ask the right questions
Choosing an SDA home is a big decision. We encourage you or your family members and carers to make informed and empowered decisions. You can do this by working with your specialist support coordinator who can guide you through a range of options and support you in asking important questions to ensure the property will suit your needs now and into the future.
3. A specialist support coordinator can help you understand the planning process
Work with a specialist support coordinator that understands how to navigate the SDA path, from ensuring you get the right assessments to matching you with the right provider.
4. A specialist support coordinator can help you find a home that works for you
A good SDA house is more than just the building and what it looks like. It’s about the layout and how it functions. Your specialist support coordinator can work with you and your support services (including therapists and SDA providers) to ensure the home is accessible and tailored to your individual needs, your mobility and your independence.
5. You don’t have to figure it all out alone
Finding the right SDA property can feel overwhelming, but your specialist support coordinator knows the NDIS, SDA eligibility criteria, provider expectations and how to navigate it all. Your specialist support coordinator can connect you with the right providers and help you understand what is possible, enabling you to focus on making informed decisions that you feel confident about.
Support that fits
At JP Trusted Advisor, we believe the best outcomes happen when participants, their families and carers are empowered to take the lead in their journey, backed by expert guidance, that’s consistent, collaborative and person centred. Jason’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when you have the right team, the right support and the right providers as well as the confidence to choose what works best for you.
If you have any questions, please speak to your JPTA Support Coordinator or Specialist Support Coordinator or email us.