Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Whether Spinal Muscular Atrophy may meet SDA eligibility, the design categories, and the evidence needed to get Specialist Disability Accommodation funded.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is purpose-built or modified housing for people with very high support needs. It's tightly targeted, but for some people with Spinal Muscular Atrophy whose functional impairment is extreme, it can be life-changing. This guide explains SDA eligibility, the design categories, and the evidence you'll need.

Could Spinal Muscular Atrophy meet SDA eligibility?

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the SMN1 (survival motor neurone 1) gene on chromosome 5. Loss of SMN protein leads to progressive degeneration of the lower…

The four SDA design categories

If you're eligible, SDA is funded against a design category matched to your needs:

The evidence you'll need

SDA is evidence-heavy. A strong request for Spinal Muscular Atrophy usually includes:

SDA and SIL together

SDA pays for the specialist building; the day-to-day support in it is funded separately (usually through SIL). Many people with Spinal Muscular Atrophy who are eligible for SDA also have SIL — see our SIL guide for…

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