The DHS Difference

Don't make the mistake of shopping for an SDA provider based on how cheap they are.Being an SDA provider is EXPENSIVE! If you're trying to drive margins down you're setting yourself up for a lot of pain later.Listen to the full conversation in Episode 36 of The DHS Difference

What a wide ranging and informative conversation! Last time we caught up with Nicole and Goro from Empowered Liveability I commented that it was nice to hear they were having some of the same challenges as DHS. In episode 36 the conversation bridged that gap and ended up in a kind of SDA provider cathartic therapy download! Kind of funny, kind of not... Our experiences are reflective of other SDA providers out there. It's so important that your SDA provider is a stable, secure and profitable business. Impacts of providers failing are quite severe and can cause a ripple of impacts that lasts for months or years. If you're still looking for an SDA provider to manage your portfolio, if you're a participant and not happy with your current provider or if you're one of the many other critical stakeholders in this part of the NDIS, this episode is a great one... Specialist Disability Accommodation NDIA National Disability Insurance Scheme Provider Investor Property

Most SDA landlords won't be covered if their property experiences major damage or is completely destroyed. Even if you've successfully claimed before, for a major claim you'll probably be disappointed. CJ breaks down reasons why in the full episode 35 on The DHS Difference podcast

What's the best bit of advice you never got? CJ breaks down how he see's it. Go to The DHS Difference on Spotify or YouTube for the full episode 35.

Standard landlord insurance was never designed for SDA.So what happens when something goes wrong?In episode 35 we speak with CJ, an experienced insurance broker who is also an SDA owner and investor. Drawing on both sides of the table, CJ breaks down the real risks landlords face in SDA that many investors overlook.From tenant related risk and property damage through to the gaps that can exist in traditional insurance policies, we explore why SDA presents a unique risk profile and why new insurance products designed specifically for disability housing may be needed.If you own SDA, are considering investing, or work in the sector, this conversation sheds light on the realities of protecting these specialised homes.

Episode 35 of The DHS Difference. Switching SDA providers is often treated as a last resort, but in some cases it is the only commercially and operationally viable path forward.In this episode, David and Lauren unpack when a provider switch makes sense, the warning signs that indicate an arrangement is no longer sustainable, and the risks involved if transitions are handled poorly. They discuss the operational, financial, and participant impacts that need to be considered before any change is made.This is a practical conversation for owners, providers, and stakeholders navigating underperforming SDA arrangements and trying to stabilise outcomes without creating further disruption.#SpecialistDisabilityAccommodation#SDAHousing#NDISProviders#SILProviders#SDAOperations#DisabilityHousing

Watch the full episode 35 of The DHS Difference for the whole conversation. Tenant matching in SDA is often misunderstood as a leasing function, when in reality it is a complex operational and system wide process.In this episode, David and Lauren break down why many SDA properties experience prolonged vacancies despite apparent demand, including design mismatches, referral pathways, provider readiness, and unrealistic assumptions made during feasibility.This conversation is aimed at unpacking why tenant procurement is one of the most underestimated risks in SDA and what needs to be in place for matching to work in practice, not just on paper.#SpecialistDisabilityAccommodation#SDAHousing#NDISTenants#SDAOperations#DisabilityHousing#SILProviders

Episode 34 of The DHS Difference. Provider switches in SDA are becoming more common, but they rarely happen without a long lead up of structural pressure.In this episode, David and Lauren explore the most common triggers behind provider changes, including misaligned expectations, operational strain, funding realities, and design or procurement decisions made early in the project lifecycle.The discussion focuses on recognising patterns before relationships break down and understanding why many switches are not about performance alone, but about system design and risk transfer.#SpecialistDisabilityAccommodation#SDAProviders#SILProviders#NDISHousing#SDAOperations#DisabilitySector

Episode 34 of The DHS Difference: SDA is not residential property investing. Treating it like it is leads to long vacancies, compliance issues, and slow financial bleed.In this episode, David and Lauren unpack the parts of SDA most investors underestimate — tenant procurement, operational readiness, compliance burden, and why “cheap” management often becomes the most expensive mistake.This is a practical conversation about why some SDA investments stabilise and others quietly fail despite ticking every box on paper.#SpecialistDisabilityAccommodation#SDAHousing#NDISProviders#SDAInvesting#DisabilityHousing#SILProviders#NDIS#Investing

Episode 33 of The DHS Difference. Collaboration in SDA sounds simple on paper, but in practice it is where most projects quietly unravel.In this episode, David and Lauren unpack why collaboration breaks down across SDA delivery chains — between investors, designers, builders, providers, and support teams — and how role confusion, misaligned incentives, and missing accountability create long term operational risk.This is a practical discussion about why “good intentions” are not enough in SDA, and what actually needs to be in place for projects to function sustainably once the build is finished.#SDA #NDIS #DisabilityHousing #SDAServices #SupportCoordination #DisabilityHousing #Participants preferences #SILProviders #SDAOperations #NDISProviders

Do what you do well. Stop trying to do everything for everyone. SDA Services, NDIS, Greg Barry, support coordination, disability housing, SDA determinations, participant preferences, collaboration, data-driven decisions, housing outcomes

SummaryIn this episode, David Esler, Lauren Ivanyi, and Greg Barry discuss the intricacies of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) services, the importance of participant preferences, and the efficiency of SDA applications. They explore the evolving landscape of support coordination, the significance of collaboration among stakeholders, and the role of data in making informed decisions. The conversation highlights the journey of SDA services, the challenges faced, and the positive outcomes achieved for participants.

To watch the full conversation with Shane Stewart from Max Life Care, check out episodes 31 and 32 of The DHS DifferenceNDIS, Specialist Disability Accommodation, SDA housing, disability housing, disability sector, supported independent living, NDIS podcast, disability investment, SDA providers, NDIS compliance, disability services, NDIS Australia, SDA participants, housing for people with disability, NDIS regulation, disability accommodation Australia

To watch the full conversation with Shane Stewart from Max Life Care, check out episodes 31 and 32 of The DHS DifferenceNDIS, Specialist Disability Accommodation, SDA housing, disability housing, disability sector, supported independent living, NDIS podcast, disability investment, SDA providers, NDIS compliance, disability services, NDIS Australia, SDA participants, housing for people with disability, NDIS regulation, disability accommodation Australia

This episode explores the real world challenges faced by tenants in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) under the NDIS. The discussion unpacks how legislation, family dynamics, and complex regulations impact participants, while highlighting the importance of stronger collaboration between providers, families, and investors. The conversation also looks at the shift toward private sector solutions, the role of partnerships in SDA housing, and how simplifying regulations could lead to better outcomes for people with disability.NDIS, Specialist Disability Accommodation, SDA housing, disability housing, disability sector, supported independent living, NDIS podcast, disability investment, SDA providers, NDIS compliance, disability services, NDIS Australia, SDA participants, housing for people with disability, NDIS regulation, disability accommodation Australia

Shane Stewart who recently joined NSW based SIL, Max Life Care joins Lauren and David to share insights from his career in the public service and his journey into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). He unpacks the challenges of navigating the NDIS Home and Living sector, explains the rules and compliance requirements that drive Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) investment, and explores how both government and private providers can work together to deliver better housing and support for NDIS participants.NDIS, Specialist Disability Accommodation, SDA housing, disability housing, disability sector, supported independent living, NDIS podcast, disability investment, SDA providers, NDIS compliance, disability services, NDIS Australia, SDA participants, housing for people with disability, NDIS regulation, disability accommodation Australia

Changes to the ways businesses tackle productivity are moving fast. David and Lauren discuss one of their strategies.

Some SDA providers are experiencing some pretty rapid growth and that can cause different challenges. This episode unpacks some of the ways that DHS has tackled these challenges.

An experience, professional executive will take your organisation the next levelWatch episode 30 of the DHS Difference for the full conversation

David Esler speaks with Marcus Pavlakis from PNP Group about the company's innovative approach to building accessible homes. They discuss the challenges faced in the disability and aged care sectors, the importance of universal design, and the need for high quality construction that prioritises both residents and staff wellbeing. Marcus shares PNP's insights on upcoming projects and the philosophy behind creating luxurious, accessible living spaces that cater to a diverse range of needs.NDIS, Specialist Disability Accommodation, SDA housing, disability housing, disability sector, supported independent living, NDIS podcast, disability investment, SDA providers, NDIS compliance, disability services, NDIS Australia, SDA participants, housing for people with disability, NDIS regulation, disability accommodation Australia

To hear the full conversation, check out episode 28 of The DHS Difference

For the full conversation, check out Episode 27 of The DHS Difference

Wow! The conversation with Nicole and Goro from Empowered Liveability went so long that we had to turn it into two episodes! These guys are so much fun and so knowledgable about all things SDA. If you've been wondering how to buy your own SDA home, whats happening in the Victorian market space, the fall out from SDA provider de-registrations or the challenges of being an SDA provider, these next two episodes are for you. We can't wait for our Christmas episode with Nicole and Goro to wrap up 2025.

Wow! The conversation with Nicole and Goro from Empowered Liveability went so long that we had to turn it into two episodes! These guys are so much fun and so knowledgable about all things SDA. If you've been wondering how to buy your own SDA home, whats happening in the Victorian market space, the fall out from SDA provider de-registrations or the challenges of being an SDA provider, these next two episodes are for you. We can't wait for our Christmas episode with Nicole and Goro to wrap up 2025.

How do new tenancy laws impact SDA?

Complexities in separating SIL and SDA

In the evolving landscape of Specialist Disability Accommodation, understanding the legal and practical considerations is crucial for success. Emile McPhee, a seasoned property and finance lawyer, shares insights from his extensive experience in the sector.

Ok... you need to do SOMETHING about your property portfolio, but what?!

Nicola Lemon is the National Social and Affordable HousingLead at KPMG.SIL providers often lack expertise in property and tenancymanagement.

What’s really draining SIL providers? Nicola Lemon from KPMG joins David and Lauren to unpack the hard truths about property management in the disability housing sector. From mounting financial pressures to strategic exit options, this episode dives deep into why holding property might be hurting your mission and what CHPs and government policy have to do with it. A must-listen for SDA and SIL leaders ready to future-proof their operations.

Learn what's happening in the SDA provider market such that two industry titans have recently gone under. Lauren and David unpack everything from over the top bureaucratic compliance to potential shenanigans that ended two SDA providers. Don't miss this one!

Matt didn't accept his first determination and ended up with the result he needed.

In 2006 Matt noticed something wasn't quite right. A moment of "jelly leg" was the beginning of changes in his life that no one saw coming. Fast forward to today and Matt is an inspiring example of someone who first decides, "This is happening" then works out how to do it. His story is incredible.

This is a really important topic. Mel Harrison from Sitting Low Reaching High joins the podcast today as a project officer on new guidelines for stakeholders in how to address Sexual and Social Safety for people with disabilities. If you work in the space, this episode is a must watch.

This is a challenging area within the SDA design guidelines. There are standard "Robust" build guidelines but for many, these standards are not robust enough. Anna Crump has had an extensive background in working with people who have destructive behaviours both in the private sector as well as 10 years with the Office of the Public Guardian. Her knowledge is top notch.

The NDIS Royal Commission is throwing spanners in works alllll over the place. Added to that is the latest review and what's becoming clear is that there is more of a push to meaningfully separate services between SIL and SDA providers. This has HUGE implications for how SIL providers operate SIL homes. If you're a SIL who owns or rents property, this episode is one you don't want to miss.

We've said it a hundred times, SDA homes are very different to standard residential homes, not just in their functionality but how they're built and certified. Today Lauren and David speak with Jeremy Soden who is an SDA assessor for his insights into what to watch out for if you're building an SDA home.

Today Chelsea joins the chat to discuss her experience as a SIL and a Support Coordinator, and how she sees benefits of SIL's getting in front of pending changes to the NDIS around accommodation. This is a really fun episode where we unpack some of the ways SIL's can leverage SDA homes and SDA providers.

Are you getting the MOST out of your SIL or SDA home? Not all SDA providers go through as rigorous a process as we do to ensure you have the best person matched for your property. In this episode, Lauren, Susanna and David discuss Tenancy Matching and the role of the SDA provider to maximise disability homes for all stakeholders.

Are you a SIL provider who manages your own homes? We've asked Susanna to come and share her decades of experience as a SIL and as an SDA provider and how SIL providers can benefit NOW in working with SDA providers.

What have you been told about SDA investing? Guaranteed rent? Easy investment? There are some wild claims out there and in todays episode Lauren and David dig into some of the common myths told to investors to try and sell SDA properties.

Are you looking at property with your investors hat on, or are you looking, really looking, at what the property is like for the tenant? Discover some issues important to participants and tenants in this episode with Lauren and David.

Lauren is back from a well earned break and jumps in with David to discuss some MAJOR changes that have come out about how SDA homes are financed. Required listening for anyone who is looking to invest in an SDA home.