Government’s new housing strategy for people with disabilities welcomed

A new national housing strategy for disabled people aimed at facilitating independent living has been broadly welcomed.

The new five-year strategy, which was launched on Friday, focuses on co-ordinating housing with the social supports provided through HSE-funded disability services.

The National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027 places an emphasis on providing more equal access to housing for disabled people with integrated support services. It also promotes their inclusion in the community and aims to give people appropriate choices and control over where, how and with whom they live.

Fiona Coyle, chief executive of the Mental Health Reform coalition, said: “We welcome that the strategy reflects and promotes the housing recommendations in Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s mental health policy.”

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Independent living

“The enhanced co-ordination between housing, health and social care is hugely welcome. Equal opportunities, independent living and individual choice must be available for all people with mental health difficulties,” she said.

“When we speak of housing for people with disabilities we often think of access like wheelchair ramps, but people with psychosocial disabilities or mental health difficulties also need access to secure high-quality and appropriate housing that facilitates and sustains their recovery.”

The strategy developed by the departments of Housing, Health and Children replaces the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011-2016 which was extended to 2021.