For the first time, wheelchair users in Ireland can now specify their need for wheelchair livable accommodation in their social housing applications
The Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage have made long-awaited changes to social housing applications and wheelchair users in Ireland can now specify their need for wheelchair livable accommodation in their applications. The push came from the Irish Wheelchair Association who began lobbying for change back in 2011. The organisation offers guidance and support to those wishing to apply for social housing.
Last month, the Irish Wheelchair Association launched their ‘Think Ahead, Think Housing’ campaign which aims to tackle the shortage of social housing for people with disabilities across Ireland. The organisation found that over 5,000 people with disabilities in Ireland are currently waiting for social housing. The figures showed that over 1,000 young and middle-aged people with physical disabilities have been forced to live in nursing homes due to the lack of accessible social housing.
When asked about the delay in getting the application form changed, Claire Feeney, a Senior Executive Officer with the Housing Agency, said it took a while because there were a lot of competing factors that had to be considered like the cost implication of larger units, and relying on local authorities and approved housing bodies to come on board.
At present, people with disabilities in Ireland are waiting 10 years for appropriate social housing therefore it is hoped that the new application form will dramatically reduce their waiting time from here on out.
For more information about the Irish Wheelchair Association, click here.