Our fifth annual #ForAccessibleHomes week is upon us! | #ForAccessibleHomes News

I’m thrilled to be kicking off Habinteg’s fifth #ForAccessibleHomes week. This week has always been a great way to celebrate the positive impact that a suitable home can have on the lives of disabled and older people.

This year, the outbreak of coronavirus has meant that we have all had to spend a considerable amount of time in our homes. Being in lockdown highlighted just how important our homes are to us. However, many disabled people have had to make do in properties that aren’t suitable for their needs. In July, following data released by the English Housing Survey, Habinteg estimated that over 400,000 wheelchair users are living in homes which are neither adapted nor accessible* . This is simply unacceptable. With national and international headlines being dominated by COVID-19, we think it’s more important than ever to get active in #ForAccessibleHomes week to highlight this vital issue.

Last week, the government announced the launch of the accessible housing standards consultation on raising accessibility standards for new homes. We know just how important a suitable home can be for a disabled person. We’ll be using this week to highlight all the positive ways an accessible home impacts disabled people and boosts their independence.

I recently had the chance to speak with our tenant, Delores Taylor, on her housing situation. She’s been campaigning hard with us to improve the provision of accessible homes in the UK and she’s discussed the issue with several parliamentarians. In our conversation, she described the current challenge she is facing finding a larger home that will accommodate her needs as a wheelchair user as well providing a room for each of her two adult daughters. This is difficult enough for a non-disabled person, but the search becomes even harder when you’re a wheelchair user and have to consider access needs.

Even though Covid-19 means we will not be able to celebrate our fifth #ForAccessibleHomes week the way we would’ve liked, we still have some exciting activity planned. This year’s theme is all about lockdown, and the important role accessible homes played for disabled people, many of whom have had to spend even more time than others at home. We’ll be sharing content from disabled people and industry leaders throughout the week, so be sure to check out our social media pages and website to stay up to date. Please join us on Twitter using the #ForAccessibleHomes hashtag to add your support, share your story and join the conversation.

* Habinteg estimated this figure following data from the English Housing Survey revealing the amount of wheelchair users in the England with an accessible home.

Read more on Sheron's Response to the English Housing Survey here.