This report shares learnings from co-design work undertaken with people with disability and the building and design sectors, to co-design innovative models of housing that foster a user driven specialty disability accommodation (SDA) market. This research responds to the need for more accessible and innovative housing solutions for people with disability, identified in the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS review.

The NDIS was designed to offer choice, control, and effective support for people with disability requiring 24/7 support. To achieve the goals of the NDIS and enhance quality of life for people with disability, there is a need to increase the availability of high-quality housing and support options, especially in remote and regional areas. This co-design project was undertaken to inform the design of contemporary specialist disability accommodation (SDA) for thin markets. 

The authors outline recommendations to ensure SDA better aligns with the needs and preferences of people with disability, including well-designed housing and supports that diversify the SDA market, offer genuine choice, and ultimately uphold human rights and promote quality of life. The authors also reflect on the co-design approach that was undertaken for this project.