John’s Journey - from SDA approval to becoming an SDA home owner!

Born in 1981, SDA Services’ client, John, lives with Spina Bifida (causing paraplegia) and Hydrocephalus (a neurocognitive disability associated with Spina Bifida).  Prior to the introduction of the NDIS, John had no funded support despite having had 30+ surgeries and hospital procedures throughout his life. John’s parents were his support both physically and emotionally, and he was fortunate to be able to live with them for 22 years in his own space downstairs with an internal ramp for access.

Despite the separate space and the comfort he had with his parents, John always had a desire to establish his own independence and autonomy and was keen to live on his own.

After the rollout of the NDIS in his area, John came across the existence of SDA in 2016, which would unlock his potential to live independently.  

John received his first NDIS plan in 2016, and, after deciding that SDA would help him to find his independence and with the assistance of his OT, John applied for SDA in 2017. In a devastating turn of events, John’s application was rejected. The application summary for the rejection specified that despite the seriousness and life-altering nature of  John's disability, his “needs” did not warrant SDA.  

John would soon find out that, in fact, most OTs are specifically skilled at certain elements, such as planning for assistive technology. SDA reporting is quite specific, and only some OTs are specialists in SDA reporting.

John was then given funding for Support Coordination specifically to assist in his search for appropriate housing.  Through his research on support coordination, John learned about Greg Barry and SDA Services. Greg then began to support John on his journey for SDA approval. John was grateful for the unique combination of Greg’s extensive knowledge around the SDA Rules, Legislation and Act and Greg’s own lived experience, and with this knowledge and backing, John felt he had the best chance at achieving a positive SDA outcome.

Prior to meeting Greg, John thought SDA was limited to rental-based properties. He would later learn that this was not the case. 

One of the first steps was for Greg and the SDA Services team, including Operations and Accounts Manager Loretta, to link John with a new OT, Julie Yule, from Greenlight Human Capitol. Julie was very experienced in writing SDA reports and conducting functional assessments, something John really needed.

It was 2020, and John finally got approved for single-resident SDA. Despite this, John was still in the understanding that he had to rent if he was to obtain an SDA home that was suited to his needs.

He was then fortunate to be connected to a friend on the Gold Coast, another SDA Services client, who said SDA Services were also instrumental in connecting her with a financial institution who had an understanding of disability finance and that owning an SDA home would, in fact, be a possibility.

So John got in touch with the financial institution as recommended and began the process. John had some key deal breakers in his ideal home, including wheelchair access to places in the  community that he loved, such as cafes, parks and shopping centres. Accessible footpaths were also a must. 

John eventually came across a new build, ideally located in Chermside, a minute away from a shopping centre. This new build was a 52-apartment complex. Of the 52 apartments, 13 were SDA enrolled apartments, and 12 of these were for the improved livability design category. 

John worked with his parents, tradespeople, and the developer (who was already experienced in understanding SDA builds and the challenges around the process) to design an apartment that was custom-built for John’s needs.

John emphasised that throughout this entire journey, SDA Services have been instrumental in supporting him in the processes, nuances and legalities of the SDA sector. 

From navigating how to become your own self-provider and the funding side of things to the connection with the financial institution to enable him to service his mortgage, John was super impressed with how seamless the SDA Services processes were.

As John’s official SDA Housing Provider, SDA Services always had his back and his goals and interests at heart. All processes were overseen by Greg and the team, who gave John crucial insight into the bureaucratic requirements under SDA certification and the legislation ramifications. Loretta was also an incredible support to John during this time, administering the SDA funding so John could service his mortgage and was always just a phone call or email away for any questions, queries or thoughts John had along the way.

John’s parents also felt greatly supported by SDA Services. The professionalism of the SDA Services team gave his parents the confidence and support that John would be ok. Knowledge and understanding throughout each step of the process helped John and his parents feel like the infrastructure was well set up within SDA. The financial mechanism was set up through the SDA funding and is well administered through SDA Services.

Fast forward to John in 2025! The whole process has taken 8 years from start to finish, but John is now proudly living in an SDA apartment that he owns (well, and the bank!), with easy access to his local community. He never thought this would have been possible. John’s newfound knowledge of the legalities, financial implications and setup of the SDA processes, through his work with SDA Services, has led to greater confidence, self-efficacy, capacity and strength, resilience and determination. 

There is so much to take from John's experience. John’s story highlights that property ownership is a possibility for those with SDA funding. Gone are the days when you can only consider rental properties if you are approved for SDA. You can own a home that is suited to your needs and live an independent life as part of your local community. 

Recently, John embraced the opportunity to have Greg over for a cuppa and was proud to show him his new apartment and welcome Greg into his home.

John emphasises that SDA Services was instrumental in his happy outcome and his lifelong house dream becoming a reality. John can finally live his best life with independence and autonomy.