Let’s make the UK housing sector more Accessible Now | Latest news

Habinteg and Homefinder UK are hosting a free webinar on 27 July to showcase their pilot accessible property search platform, Accessible Now.

The pilot online channel was announced last month and will connect disabled people with inclusive homes that suit their needs. The initial focus of the project is targeted at housing association and local authority homes.

Those attending will be able to hear from housing associations, local authorities, wheelchair users, sector leaders, housing professionals and those who have contributed to the project. It will be an opportunity to share ideas and opinions, to improve the platform.

During the webinar, housing associations will share their experiences using the new checklist when listing accessible properties.

Accessible Now has been designed with contributions from an expert Steering Group. The group includes Tanvi Vyas and Millie Hawes, who are both wheelchair users, leading accessible housing occupational therapist Jacquel Runnalls and representatives from the National Housing Federation, Habinteg and Homefinder UK,

Millie Hawes, 24, said: “For far too long, property websites have failed to meet the needs of disabled people. I can’t count the amount of times estate agents have told me a property is wheelchair accessible, only to come to the viewing and find multiple steps to the front door or an inaccessible bathroom.

“Accessible Now is a great resource that brings inclusive properties to one place, removing barriers to property searching and making it easier for disabled people to find a fully accessible home.

“I’ve been collaborating on this project for a while and it’s great to see it finally come to life. The webinar should help mould the platform as we’ll hear more people’s opinions on ways to improve.

“I hope this project paves the way for other similar channels, and sets an example for existing property search websites that simply lack the proper accessibility filters.”

Members of the general public interested in the channel are also welcome to join the webinar to find out what they can do to help disabled people looking for a suitable home.

Join the webinar for free and find out how you can help: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpduCqqTgvHdQOVv1EwO2SoZEErqqOk6pi

Photo credit: © Disabled and Here