For many people, choosing a home is largely about location, price, size and personal preference. For someone with a disability, there can be a whole extra set of considerations.
Are the doorways wide enough for a wheelchair? Is there level access? Can you get into the bathroom safely? Is there enough room to manoeuvre mobility equipment? What happens if your mobility deteriorates?
Even relatively small things that most people take for granted can become significant barriers.
What frustrates me is that accessible housing is often treated as a specialist requirement rather than something that should be considered as part of good housing design. Then there's also the financial reality. Suitable properties can be difficult to find, expensive to rent and sometimes require adaptations that landlords and councils are reluctant to provide.
I believe everyone should have the opportunity to live somewhere that meets their needs, provides security and allows them to retain as much independence as possible.
Housing shouldn’t become another battle simply because someone has a disability.
