A Look Back at Our Bathurst SDA Event

We recently had the pleasure of hosting a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Information Session in Bathurst - a day filled with learning, insightful discussions and meaningful connections. It was fantastic to see so many people come together, all eager to gain a deeper understanding of NDIS accommodation and how to navigate the SDA journey.

Kicking Off the Day with sda insights from our founder

The morning started with a sense of excitement as attendees arrived, eager to learn and connect. Our founder, Karen Abdallah, welcomed everyone and led an Acknowledgement of Country, setting a respectful and inclusive tone for the event. She then introduced the day's speakers and shared a little about MyLife Housing’s role in the SDA space. She highlighted how independence, choice and community are at the heart of what makes a house feel like home. Her introduction set the stage for a day of informative discussions, ensuring that attendees felt empowered to ask questions and take away valuable insights.

Breaking Down SDA with Greg Barry

Our first speaker, SDA expert Greg Barry, took the stage to guide attendees through the complexities of the SDA journey. With his deep knowledge and practical insights, Greg broke down the eligibility process, explaining who qualifies for SDA and what criteria must be met. He then walked through the steps of securing funding, sharing valuable tips on how to navigate the application process and avoid common roadblocks.

One of the key takeaways from Greg’s session was the importance of understanding the different stages of the SDA journey - from getting assessed to finding the right home. He reassured attendees that while the process can seem overwhelming, the right guidance and preparation can make all the difference. His clear and practical advice helped demystify the system, leaving participants, families and support coordinators with a better understanding of SDA.

Insights from Nicola Johnstone - SENIOR oCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Next, we heard from Nicola Johnstone, a senior Occupational Therapist (OT) from Cerebral Palsy Alliance with over 20 years experience. While she couldn’t attend in person due to illness, she joined us via Zoom and delivered an incredibly insightful session. Nicola spoke about the crucial role OTs play in the SDA process, from assessing an individual’s needs to ensuring their housing goals align with their level of support.

One of the most valuable aspects of Nicola’s presentation was her deep dive into Functional Capacity Assessment reports. She explained how well-documented, detailed reports can make all the difference in securing SDA funding and the right housing outcome. Her practical advice gave attendees a clearer understanding of how to strengthen their applications and advocate for the best possible housing solutions.

Understanding SIL with Rachel Carey

Following Nicola’s session, Rachel Carey, CEO and Founder of Allara Support Services, shared her expertise on Supported Independent Living (SIL). She walked attendees through the role of a SIL provider, explaining how SIL works alongside SDA to create a truly supportive living environment.

Rachel also spoke about the work Allara Support Services does to ensure participants have the right support in place - whether that’s help with daily tasks, developing life skills or fostering greater independence. Her talk gave attendees a clearer picture of how SDA and SIL work hand in hand, and how the right support network can make all the difference in creating a home that truly meets a participant’s needs.

Q&A Panel and Villa Walkthrough

After all the presentations, we opened the floor for a Q&A panel, moderated by Rachel. This gave guests the opportunity to ask direct questions to the speakers and gain insights tailored to their personal situations. It was great to see such engaging discussions, with attendees leaving with newfound knowledge and confidence about the SDA process.

To wrap up the day, guests had the chance to mingle over refreshments before heading off to tour our Bathurst Villas. These NDIS homes, designed under the Robust and High Physical Support categories, are designed to provide a safe, comfortable and accessible living environment for residents. It was wonderful to see people exploring the villas and getting a feel for what MyLife Housing has to offer.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event such a success. We are especially grateful to our incredible speakers - Greg Barry and Nicola Johnstone - for sharing their expertise and providing valuable insights into the SDA journey.

If you’re looking for an SDA home or have questions about the process, our team is here to help. We provide accommodation in all categories across Greater Sydney, Central West, Central Coast and Illawara regions. Contact us at 1300 969 562 or info@mylifehousing.com.au