The distinct lack of accessible housing for disabled people in the UK is a glaring issue that is often overlooked. Despite progress in making buildings more inclusive, many disabled individuals/families, such as myself, still face significant barriers when searching for suitable housing in both the private and social sectors. Data published by the government in 2020 highlighted that only 9% of homes in the UK have key accessibility features (Association, June 2020). It is estimated that over 400,000 wheelchair users are left living in properties that are neither adaptable or accessible (Association, June 2020). In the area I currently live, a town based in Merseyside, it has been three years since a fully accessible family home last became available (information provided to me by occupational therapy), and to rent a bungalow it is nearly 3x our currently monthly rent.
One of the main challenges we are confronted with is the limited availability of accessible housing options. Many properties are not designed with wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments in mind, making it difficult for them to move around freely and independently in their own homes. This is an area that I struggle with every day. I can no longer share a bed with my husband as I cannot access our bedroom and have no alternative but to sleep in the living room. The kitchen and bathroom present their own complications, to attempt to access them results in damaging the door frames, there is no turning space, and I rely on others to help me to perform basic everyday tasks. This loss of independence takes a signficant mental toll.
Often disabled individuals and their families are forced to agree to a property that does not meet the requirements needed to be accessible, with the view that they then spend tens of thousands of pounds on making the necessary modifications e.g.installing a lift, creating front and back ramped access, widening door frames, creating level access bathrooms, lowering kitchen appliances etc. The cost of these adaptations very quickly add up, and while there is some funding available , the mounting costs often put creating an accessible home out of reach.
Even when accessible options are available, they are often in short supply, leading to long waiting lists and too high a demand for these properties. This lack of accessible properties in both the social and private sectors creates an ever-growing mountain of disabled people/families being stuck in unsuitable living conditions, and unable to find a home that meets their needs. This impacts multiple elements of the individual’s quality of life, their employment capabilities and limits social interaction. Personally, I see this in my day-to-day life. I am unable to leave my house without physical assistance and often now only leave at weekends when the family can help, I have had to relinquish volunteering roles as I cannot physically attend, our living room doubles as my bedroom which leaves privacy very much wanting, and not having access to an adaptive bathroom is a nightmare.
The chronic lack of accessible housing throughout the UK desperately needs to be addressed. Accessible housing simply cannot be viewed as optional. It’s a necessity to ensure that all those who require it are enabled to live full lives, be able to access equal opportunities and live as independently as possible.
Dystonia and Me 